What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
famille
Example
La famille est très importante pour moi. [famille: noun]
Example
Nous sommes une grande famille heureuse. [famille: adjective]
family
Example
I come from a big family with lots of siblings. [family: noun]
Example
We are like a family here at work, always supporting each other. [family: metaphorical]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Family is much more commonly used in English than famille. Family is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while famille is more limited in its usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between famille and family?
Famille may be considered more formal or academic due to its French origin, while family is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.