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How to Say ‘A small or a large?’ in French

Un petit ou un grand ?

uhn puh-tee oo uhn grahn

[uhn puh-tee oo uhn grahn]

💬 Usage Tip: Offer a choice by joining two options with ou "or". For example, Un café ou un thé ? means "A coffee or a tea?".

Phrase Breakdown

Un petit

uhn puh-tee

A small one

The first option. The 'e' in 'petit' is often swallowed: 'uhn p'tee'. The final 't' is silent.

Example

Je voudrais un petit.

I'd like a small one.

Words in this phrase

Un

[uhn]

a / an

An indefinite article used before a masculine singular noun.

Example

Un casque est important pour le roller.

A helmet is important for inline skating.

petit

[puh-tee]

small

Of a limited size or amount.

Example

Un petit rire se fit entendre.

A small laugh was heard.

ou un grand ?

oo uhn grahn

or a large one?

The second option. 'Ou' sounds like 'oo'. Raise your voice at the end because it is a question. The 'd' in 'grand' is silent.

Example

Un café ou un thé ?

A coffee or a tea?

Words in this phrase

ou

[oo]

or

A conjunction used to offer an alternative or another option.

Example

Ou en terrasse si vous préférez.

Or on the terrace if you prefer.

un

[uhn]

a / an

An indefinite article used before a masculine singular noun.

Example

Un casque est important pour le roller.

A helmet is important for inline skating.

grand

[grahn]

large / big one

Adjective meaning big; used alone here to mean a large coffee.

Example

Je voudrais un grand, s'il vous plaît.

I'd like a large one, please.

Related guides

French Conversation for Beginners: 6 Everyday Dialogues You'll Actually UseSix basic French conversations for beginners, from greeting a neighbour and introducing yourself to booking a restaurant, with translations, native audio and the phrases that keep them going.French Phrases for Tourists: What to Say in Cafés, Shops, Stations and RestaurantsThe French phrases tourists actually use, sorted by situation: greetings, directions, cafés, restaurants, shopping and emergencies, with native audio.

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