L'oncle (en. The uncle)

/l‿ɔ̃.kl/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench

noun

In relation to a relative, it is the brother or brother-in-law of the mother or father.

My uncle came to visit us this weekend.

Mon oncle est venu nous rendre visite ce weekend.

A man who has a relationship of affection or trust with someone, often in a family context.

He considers this man as an uncle even if they are not related by blood.

Il considère cet homme comme un oncle même s'ils ne sont pas liés par le sang.

A term of endearment or respect for an older man.

Hello, Uncle Jean, how are you?

Bonjour, oncle Jean, comment allez-vous ?

From the Latin 'avunculus', a diminutive of 'avus', meaning grandfather.

to have an uncle

to have a male relative by blood or by marriage.

avoir un oncle

to go to uncle's house

to visit one's uncle's home.

aller chez l'oncle

to stay at uncle's

to stay or live at one's uncle's.

être à l'oncle

aunt

Sister or sister-in-law of a relative.

tante

cousin

Child of an uncle or aunt.

cousin

great-uncle

Brother or brother-in-law of a grandparent.

grand-oncle

A term of endearment used for close friends.

Hey uncle, how's it going today?

Salut l'oncle, ça roule aujourd'hui ?

Sometimes used to refer to a mentor or a respected male figure.

He helped me like a real uncle in my career.

Il m'a aidé comme un vrai oncle dans ma carrière.