Basic question, in English we say "big brother", I was told "grand frère" was wrong and it should be "frère plus agé" or "vieux frère?? Thank you."

Phil J.A2Kwiziq community member

Basic question, in English we say "big brother", I was told "grand frère" was wrong and it should be "frère plus agé" or "vieux frère?? Thank you."

Asked 5 years ago
CécileNative French expert teacher in KwiziqCorrect answer

Hi Phil,

Funnily enough, I heard 'grand-frère' yesterday in an episode of the BBC4 French series 'Engrenages' ( Spiral)! , said by a fifteen year old about his 'big brother'.

Having said that I think it is regarded as childish, and you would probably say -

Mon frère aîné /plus agé

I personally have never heard 'vieux frère'.

Hope this helps!

Basic question, in English we say "big brother", I was told "grand frère" was wrong and it should be "frère plus agé" or "vieux frère?? Thank you."

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