Learning how to say simple words in another language is a great way to begin exploring it. For instance, “uncle” is a word you may want to learn in French. Knowing this can be helpful in conversations with French-speaking relatives or friends. It can also make family interactions feel more personal and warm.
In this article, you’ll find out how to say “uncle” in French. You’ll also learn different ways to address or talk about an uncle in French, how to respond to questions involving this word, and practice using it with fun exercises. By the end, you’ll feel ready to use “uncle” in French confidently!
Ways to Say Uncle in French
When learning French, it’s helpful to know how to refer to family members. The word for “uncle” in French is commonly used in various ways depending on the formality and context of the conversation. Below are different ways to say “uncle” in French, along with their pronunciation, meanings, and examples in sentences.
1. Oncle
Pronunciation: on-kl
Meaning: Uncle (standard term).
In a Sentence:
- Mon oncle habite à Paris. (My uncle lives in Paris.)
- As-tu vu l’oncle Jean aujourd’hui? (Did you see Uncle Jean today?)
2. Tonton
Pronunciation: tohn-tohn
Meaning: Uncle (affectionate, informal).
In a Sentence:
- Mon tonton m’a offert un cadeau. (My uncle gave me a gift.)
- Nous allons dîner chez tonton Pierre ce soir. (We are having dinner at Uncle Pierre’s house tonight.)
3. Vieux Oncle
Pronunciation: vuh ohn-kl
Meaning: Old uncle (used playfully or respectfully).
In a Sentence:
- Le vieux oncle raconte toujours des histoires drôles. (The old uncle always tells funny stories.)
- Tout le monde adore écouter le vieux oncle au dîner de famille. (Everyone loves listening to the old uncle at family dinners.)
4. Grand-Oncle
Pronunciation: grohn-dohn-kl
Meaning: Great-uncle.
In a Sentence:
- Mon grand-oncle était un soldat pendant la guerre. (My great-uncle was a soldier during the war.)
- J’ai rencontré mon grand-oncle pour la première fois cet été. (I met my great-uncle for the first time this summer.)
5. Oncle par Alliance
Pronunciation: on-kl par ah-lyahns
Meaning: Uncle by marriage.
In a Sentence:
- Mon oncle par alliance est très gentil. (My uncle by marriage is very kind.)
- On fête l’anniversaire de mon oncle par alliance aujourd’hui. (We are celebrating my uncle by marriage’s birthday today.)
6. Petit Oncle
Pronunciation: puh-tee ohn-kl
Meaning: Younger uncle.
In a Sentence:
- Mon petit oncle est encore étudiant. (My younger uncle is still a student.)
- J’aime parler avec mon petit oncle, il est très amusant. (I like talking to my younger uncle; he is very funny.)
7. Cher Oncle
Pronunciation: shayr ohn-kl
Meaning: Dear uncle (formal, affectionate).
In a Sentence:
- Cher oncle, merci pour la carte postale! (Dear uncle, thank you for the postcard!)
- Nous avons reçu une lettre de notre cher oncle. (We received a letter from our dear uncle.)
8. Bon Oncle
Pronunciation: bohn ohn-kl
Meaning: Kind uncle.
In a Sentence:
- Le bon oncle a toujours des bonbons pour nous. (The kind uncle always has candy for us.)
- Mon bon oncle m’accompagne souvent à l’école. (My kind uncle often takes me to school.)
9. Vieux Tonton
Pronunciation: vuh tohn-tohn
Meaning: Old uncle (affectionate slang).
In a Sentence:
- Vieux tonton est toujours le premier à arriver aux fêtes. (Old uncle is always the first to arrive at parties.)
- Les enfants adorent vieux tonton et ses blagues. (The kids love old uncle and his jokes.)
10. Tonton Chéri
Pronunciation: tohn-tohn shay-ree
Meaning: Beloved uncle (informal, affectionate).
In a Sentence:
- Merci, tonton chéri, pour le gâteau délicieux! (Thank you, beloved uncle, for the delicious cake!)
- Tonton chéri nous emmène souvent à la plage. (Beloved uncle often takes us to the beach.)
11. Onclet
Pronunciation: on-klay
Meaning: Uncle (diminutive, used affectionately).
In a Sentence:
- Mon onclet adore cuisiner pour toute la famille. (My uncle loves cooking for the whole family.)
- L’onclet m’a raconté une histoire fascinante hier soir. (Uncle told me a fascinating story last night.)
12. Oncle Bien-Aimé
Pronunciation: on-kl bee-ehn-ay-may
Meaning: Beloved uncle.
In a Sentence:
- Mon oncle bien-aimé vit dans une belle maison à la campagne. (My beloved uncle lives in a beautiful house in the countryside.)
- J’ai hâte de revoir mon oncle bien-aimé cet été. (I can’t wait to see my beloved uncle again this summer.)
13. Oncle Chéri
Pronunciation: on-kl shay-ree
Meaning: Dear uncle (very affectionate).
In a Sentence:
- Merci, oncle chéri, pour tous ces souvenirs. (Thank you, dear uncle, for all these memories.)
- Mon oncle chéri est un excellent musicien. (My dear uncle is an excellent musician.)
14. Oncle Proche
Pronunciation: on-kl prohsh
Meaning: Close uncle.
In a Sentence:
- Mon oncle proche m’aide souvent avec mes devoirs. (My close uncle often helps me with my homework.)
- Nous allons rendre visite à mon oncle proche ce week-end. (We’re visiting my close uncle this weekend.)
15. Tonton Favori
Pronunciation: tohn-tohn fah-voh-ree
Meaning: Favorite uncle.
In a Sentence:
- Mon tonton favori m’a offert un nouveau vélo! (My favorite uncle gave me a new bike!)
- Tonton favori est toujours drôle et généreux. (Favorite uncle is always funny and generous.)
16. Oncle Aimé
Pronunciation: on-kl eh-may
Meaning: Loved uncle.
In a Sentence:
- Mon oncle aimé prépare toujours les meilleures fêtes. (My loved uncle always prepares the best parties.)
- Nous avons beaucoup de souvenirs avec notre oncle aimé. (We have many memories with our loved uncle.)
17. Oncle Gentil
Pronunciation: on-kl zhahn-tee
Meaning: Kind uncle.
In a Sentence:
- Mon oncle gentil nous a emmenés au zoo hier. (My kind uncle took us to the zoo yesterday.)
- On adore passer du temps avec notre oncle gentil. (We love spending time with our kind uncle.)
18. Oncle Parfait
Pronunciation: on-kl par-fay
Meaning: Perfect uncle.
In a Sentence:
- Tout le monde dit que mon oncle parfait est un héros. (Everyone says my perfect uncle is a hero.)
- Mon oncle parfait est toujours là quand on a besoin de lui. (My perfect uncle is always there when we need him.)
19. Oncle Sérieux
Pronunciation: on-kl sair-yuh
Meaning: Serious uncle.
In a Sentence:
- Mon oncle sérieux nous enseigne toujours de bonnes leçons de vie. (My serious uncle always teaches us good life lessons.)
- On respecte beaucoup notre oncle sérieux. (We respect our serious uncle a lot.)
20. Oncle Rigolo
Pronunciation: on-kl ree-go-loh
Meaning: Funny uncle.
In a Sentence:
- Mon oncle rigolo nous fait rire à chaque visite. (My funny uncle makes us laugh every time he visits.)
- Les enfants adorent jouer avec leur oncle rigolo. (The kids love playing with their funny uncle.)
21. Tonton Affectueux
Pronunciation: tohn-tohn ah-fek-too-uh
Meaning: Caring uncle.
In a Sentence:
- Tonton affectueux m’a consolé quand j’étais triste. (My caring uncle comforted me when I was sad.)
- On a passé une journée mémorable avec tonton affectueux. (We had a memorable day with our caring uncle.)
22. Oncle Loyal
Pronunciation: on-kl lwah-yahl
Meaning: Loyal uncle.
In a Sentence:
- Mon oncle loyal a toujours soutenu ma famille. (My loyal uncle has always supported my family.)
- Il est évident que notre oncle loyal est très apprécié. (It’s clear that our loyal uncle is very appreciated.)
23. Oncle Préféré
Pronunciation: on-kl pray-fay-ray
Meaning: Preferred uncle.
In a Sentence:
- Mon oncle préféré me donne souvent de bons conseils. (My preferred uncle often gives me good advice.)
- J’ai toujours hâte de voir mon oncle préféré. (I always look forward to seeing my preferred uncle.)
24. Oncle Joyeux
Pronunciation: on-kl zhwa-yuh
Meaning: Joyful uncle.
In a Sentence:
- Mon oncle joyeux est l’âme de toutes les fêtes. (My joyful uncle is the life of every party.)
- J’aime les histoires amusantes de mon oncle joyeux. (I love the funny stories of my joyful uncle.)
25. Tonton Aventurier
Pronunciation: tohn-tohn ah-vahn-too-ree-yay
Meaning: Adventurous uncle.
In a Sentence:
- Tonton aventurier nous emmène souvent en camping. (Adventurous uncle often takes us camping.)
- Mon tonton aventurier a voyagé dans 30 pays. (My adventurous uncle has traveled to 30 countries.)
26. Oncle Silencieux
Pronunciation: on-kl see-lahn-syuh
Meaning: Quiet uncle.
In a Sentence:
- Mon oncle silencieux préfère écouter que parler. (My quiet uncle prefers listening over talking.)
- On admire beaucoup notre oncle silencieux pour sa sagesse. (We admire our quiet uncle a lot for his wisdom.)
27. Oncle Dynamique
Pronunciation: on-kl dee-nah-meek
Meaning: Energetic uncle.
In a Sentence:
- Mon oncle dynamique participe toujours aux jeux avec nous. (My energetic uncle always joins us in games.)
- Tout le monde adore l’enthousiasme de mon oncle dynamique. (Everyone loves my energetic uncle’s enthusiasm.)
28. Tonton Chaleureux
Pronunciation: tohn-tohn shah-luh-ruh
Meaning: Warm uncle.
In a Sentence:
- Mon tonton chaleureux nous accueille toujours avec un sourire. (My warm uncle always greets us with a smile.)
- On adore le bon cœur de notre tonton chaleureux. (We love our warm uncle’s kind heart.)
29. Oncle Intelligent
Pronunciation: on-kl ahn-teh-lee-jahnt
Meaning: Intelligent uncle.
In a Sentence:
- Mon oncle intelligent m’aide toujours avec mes projets. (My intelligent uncle always helps me with my projects.)
- Ses idées brillantes font de lui un oncle intelligent. (His brilliant ideas make him an intelligent uncle.)
30. Oncle Drôle
Pronunciation: on-kl drohl
Meaning: Funny uncle.
In a Sentence:
- Mon oncle drôle est le roi des blagues. (My funny uncle is the king of jokes.)
- Les enfants rient toujours avec leur oncle drôle. (The kids always laugh with their funny uncle.)
31. Oncle Fidèle
Pronunciation: on-kl fee-dehl
Meaning: Faithful uncle.
In a Sentence:
- Mon oncle fidèle est toujours là pour nous. (My faithful uncle is always there for us.)
- Nous avons beaucoup de gratitude pour notre oncle fidèle. (We are very grateful for our faithful uncle.)
32. Oncle Adorable
Pronunciation: on-kl ah-doh-rah-bluh
Meaning: Adorable uncle.
In a Sentence:
- Mon oncle adorable joue toujours avec ses neveux et nièces. (My adorable uncle always plays with his nieces and nephews.)
- On aime l’humour de notre oncle adorable. (We love our adorable uncle’s humor.)
Other Ways to Say Uncle in French
There are many other ways to refer to an uncle in French, depending on the context or relationship. Below is a table with alternative phrases, their pronunciation, meanings, and example sentences.
| Other Ways to Say | Pronunciation | Meaning | Example Sentences |
| Tonton Rigolo | tohn-tohn ree-go-loh | Funny uncle | Les enfants adorent leur tonton rigolo. (The kids love their funny uncle.) |
| Oncle Attentionné | on-kl ah-tahn-syo-nay | Caring uncle | Mon oncle attentionné m’a aidé avec mon projet. (My caring uncle helped me with my project.) |
| Oncle Fantaisiste | on-kl fahn-tay-zeest | Imaginative uncle | Mon oncle fantaisiste invente toujours des histoires folles. (My imaginative uncle always makes up crazy stories.) |
| Tonton Charismatique | tohn-tohn shah-reez-mah-teek | Charismatic uncle | Mon tonton charismatique est le préféré de tout le monde. (My charismatic uncle is everyone’s favorite.) |
| Oncle Inspirant | on-kl ahn-spee-rahnt | Inspiring uncle | Mon oncle inspirant m’encourage à poursuivre mes rêves. (My inspiring uncle encourages me to follow my dreams.) |
| Tonton Généreux | tohn-tohn zhuh-neh-ruh | Generous uncle | Tonton généreux nous a offert des cadeaux magnifiques. (Generous uncle gave us amazing gifts.) |
| Oncle Réservé | on-kl ray-zair-vay | Reserved uncle | Mon oncle réservé préfère rester en arrière-plan. (My reserved uncle prefers to stay in the background.) |
| Oncle Drôle | on-kl drohl | Funny uncle | Les blagues de mon oncle drôle sont inoubliables. (The jokes of my funny uncle are unforgettable.) |
| Tonton Affectif | tohn-tohn ah-fek-teef | Emotional uncle | Mon tonton affectif est toujours là pour écouter. (My emotional uncle is always there to listen.) |
| Oncle Protecteur | on-kl pro-tehk-tuhr | Protective uncle | Mon oncle protecteur nous surveille toujours avec soin. (My protective uncle always watches over us with care.) |
| Tonton Marrant | tohn-tohn mah-rahn | Amusing uncle | Les enfants s’amusent beaucoup avec leur tonton marrant. (The kids have so much fun with their amusing uncle.) |
| Oncle Respecté | on-kl reh-spehk-tay | Respected uncle | Mon oncle respecté est un modèle pour notre famille. (My respected uncle is a role model for our family.) |
| Tonton Fort | tohn-tohn fohr | Strong uncle | Tonton fort peut soulever des poids lourds sans problème. (Strong uncle can lift heavy weights with ease.) |
| Oncle Unique | on-kl oo-neek | Unique uncle | Mon oncle unique a des talents spéciaux. (My unique uncle has special talents.) |
| Tonton Mystérieux | tohn-tohn mee-stehr-yuh | Mysterious uncle | Personne ne sait beaucoup sur le passé de mon tonton mystérieux. (No one knows much about my mysterious uncle’s past.) |
| Oncle Gentil | on-kl zhahn-tee | Kind uncle | Mon oncle gentil nous a préparé un grand repas. (My kind uncle prepared a big meal for us.) |
| Tonton Ambitieux | tohn-tohn ahm-bee-syuh | Ambitious uncle | Mon tonton ambitieux a construit sa propre entreprise. (My ambitious uncle built his own business.) |
| Oncle Courageux | on-kl koo-rah-zhooh | Brave uncle | Mon oncle courageux a sauvé un chien perdu. (My brave uncle rescued a lost dog.) |
| Tonton Original | tohn-tohn oh-ree-zhee-nahl | Original uncle | Tonton original a toujours des idées intéressantes. (Original uncle always has interesting ideas.) |
| Oncle Paisible | on-kl pay-zee-bluh | Peaceful uncle | Mon oncle paisible aime passer du temps au bord du lac. (My peaceful uncle loves spending time by the lake.) |
Responses to Uncle in French
When talking about your uncle in French or responding to someone speaking about theirs, there are specific phrases you can use to keep the conversation smooth and engaging. These responses can be formal or casual depending on the setting. Here are some ways to respond when discussing an uncle in French.
1. C’est mon oncle préféré
Pronunciation: say mohn on-kl pray-fay-ray
Meaning: He’s my favorite uncle.
In a Sentence:
- Person 1: Comment est ton oncle? (How is your uncle?)
- Person 2: C’est mon oncle préféré. (He’s my favorite uncle.)
2. Il est très gentil
Pronunciation: eel ay tray zhahn-tee
Meaning: He is very kind.
In a Sentence:
- Person 1: Ton oncle est-il sympa? (Is your uncle nice?)
- Person 2: Oui, il est très gentil. (Yes, he is very kind.)
3. Il habite loin
Pronunciation: eel ah-beet lwahn
Meaning: He lives far away.
In a Sentence:
- Person 1: Où habite ton oncle? (Where does your uncle live?)
- Person 2: Il habite loin. (He lives far away.)
4. Il est toujours drôle
Pronunciation: eel ay too-zhoor drohl
Meaning: He is always funny.
In a Sentence:
- Person 1: Comment est ton oncle? (What is your uncle like?)
- Person 2: Il est toujours drôle. (He is always funny.)
5. C’est un modèle pour moi
Pronunciation: say uh moh-dehl poor mwah
Meaning: He is a role model for me.
In a Sentence:
- Person 1: Ton oncle t’inspire-t-il? (Does your uncle inspire you?)
- Person 2: Oui, c’est un modèle pour moi. (Yes, he is a role model for me.)
6. Il adore les enfants
Pronunciation: eel ah-door lay ahn-fahn
Meaning: He loves children.
In a Sentence:
- Person 1: Ton oncle aime-t-il passer du temps avec les enfants? (Does your uncle like spending time with children?)
- Person 2: Oui, il adore les enfants. (Yes, he loves children.)
7. Il travaille beaucoup
Pronunciation: eel trah-vah-ee boh-koo
Meaning: He works a lot.
In a Sentence:
- Person 1: Que fait ton oncle? (What does your uncle do?)
- Person 2: Il travaille beaucoup. (He works a lot.)
8. Je ne le vois pas souvent
Pronunciation: zhuh nuh luh vwah pah soo-vohn
Meaning: I don’t see him often.
In a Sentence:
- Person 1: Tu vois souvent ton oncle? (Do you see your uncle often?)
- Person 2: Non, je ne le vois pas souvent. (No, I don’t see him often.)
9. Il est un peu strict
Pronunciation: eel ay uh puh streekt
Meaning: He is a little strict.
In a Sentence:
- Person 1: Ton oncle est-il sévère? (Is your uncle strict?)
- Person 2: Oui, il est un peu strict. (Yes, he is a little strict.)
10. Il me raconte toujours des histoires
Pronunciation: eel muh rah-kohnt too-zhoor day ees-twahr
Meaning: He always tells me stories.
In a Sentence:
- Person 1: Qu’est-ce que ton oncle fait pour te divertir? (What does your uncle do to entertain you?)
- Person 2: Il me raconte toujours des histoires. (He always tells me stories.)
11. Il est le plus drôle de la famille
Pronunciation: eel ay luh ploo drohl duh lah fah-mee
Meaning: He is the funniest in the family.
In a Sentence:
- Person 1: Qui est le plus drôle de ta famille? (Who is the funniest in your family?)
- Person 2: Il est le plus drôle de la famille. (He is the funniest in the family.)
12. C’est un grand voyageur
Pronunciation: say tuh grahn vwah-yah-zhuhr
Meaning: He is a great traveler.
In a Sentence:
- Person 1: Ton oncle voyage-t-il beaucoup? (Does your uncle travel a lot?)
- Person 2: Oui, c’est un grand voyageur. (Yes, he is a great traveler.)
13. Je passe beaucoup de temps avec lui
Pronunciation: zhuh pahs boh-koo duh tahn ah-vek lwee
Meaning: I spend a lot of time with him.
In a Sentence:
- Person 1: Tu passes du temps avec ton oncle? (Do you spend time with your uncle?)
- Person 2: Oui, je passe beaucoup de temps avec lui. (Yes, I spend a lot of time with him.)
14. Il a beaucoup d’énergie
Pronunciation: eel ah boh-koo day-nayr-zhee
Meaning: He has a lot of energy.
In a Sentence:
- Person 1: Ton oncle est-il actif? (Is your uncle active?)
- Person 2: Oui, il a beaucoup d’énergie. (Yes, he has a lot of energy.)
15. Il est comme un deuxième père pour moi
Pronunciation: eel ay kohm uh duh-zee-ehm pair poor mwah
Meaning: He is like a second father to me.
In a Sentence:
- Person 1: Ton oncle joue-t-il un rôle important dans ta vie? (Does your uncle play an important role in your life?)
- Person 2: Oui, il est comme un deuxième père pour moi. (Yes, he is like a second father to me.)
Exercise to Practice Saying “Uncle” in French
Complete the sentences below using the correct ways to say “uncle” in French. The sentences include real-life scenarios to help you practice. After completing the exercise, check the answers and meanings provided.
Fill in the Blanks
- Mon ______ adore jouer au baseball avec nous. (Hint: affectionate term for uncle)
- Hier, j’ai rencontré mon ______ par alliance pour la première fois.
- Mon ______ préféré m’a offert un nouveau livre.
- Nous avons visité notre ______ qui habite en France cet été.
- Je vais écrire une lettre à mon ______ bien-aimé pour son anniversaire.
- Mon ______ rigolo raconte toujours des histoires drôles.
- Nous allons chez ______ Pierre pour le dîner.
- Mon ______ dynamique participe toujours à nos pique-niques.
- Pendant les vacances, j’ai passé beaucoup de temps avec mon ______ chaleureux.
- Le ______ Jean est très respecté dans notre famille.
- Mon ______ aventurier m’a emmené en randonnée la semaine dernière.
- Chaque Noël, mon ______ gentil nous prépare un repas délicieux.
Answers and Meanings
- Tonton (My uncle loves playing baseball with us.)
- Oncle (Yesterday, I met my uncle by marriage for the first time.)
- Oncle (My favorite uncle gave me a new book.)
- Oncle (We visited our uncle who lives in France this summer.)
- Oncle bien-aimé (I’m going to write a letter to my beloved uncle for his birthday.)
- Tonton rigolo (My funny uncle always tells funny stories.)
- Tonton (We are going to Uncle Pierre’s for dinner.)
- Oncle dynamique (My energetic uncle always participates in our picnics.)
- Oncle chaleureux (During the holidays, I spent a lot of time with my warm uncle.)
- Oncle (Uncle Jean is very respected in our family.)
- Oncle aventurier (My adventurous uncle took me hiking last week.)
- Oncle gentil (Every Christmas, my kind uncle prepares us a delicious meal.)
Conclusion
Learning how to say “uncle” in French opens up opportunities to describe family relationships and share personal stories in another language. From formal terms like oncle to affectionate ones like tonton, each expression can fit different contexts and relationships. Knowing these variations helps you sound more natural and connected when speaking French.
Practicing these terms, along with responses and exercises, will make using them feel effortless. Whether you’re talking about your oncle préféré or chatting with a tonton rigolo, you’ll be ready to express yourself with confidence. Keep exploring, and you’ll continue to strengthen your French skills step by step!