French · People & Family

"Sister-in-law" in French: belle-sœur

la belle-sœur

Say it: bell-SURfeminine · la belle-sœurnoun/bɛl.sœʁ/

Sister-in-law in French is la belle-sœur, feminine. Ma belle-sœur is my sister-in-law. Beau-frère is brother-in-law.

Family lunch

Ma belle-sœur apporte une salade.
My sister-in-law is bringing a salad.
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How to pronounce belle-sœur

Say it

bell-SUR

/bɛl.sœʁ/

bell-SUR. Belle like bell. Sœur is like sur with rounded lips.

"Sister-in-law" in French: quick reference

FrenchEnglish
la belle-sœursister-in-law / stepsister

In-law by default in marriage talk.

ma belle-sœurmy sister-in-law

Possessive.

mes belles-sœursmy sisters-in-law

Plural.

chez ma belle-sœurat my sister-in-law's

Visiting.

How to use belle-sœur in real life

  1. 1Family lunch

    Ma belle-sœur apporte une salade.

    My sister-in-law is bringing a salad.

    Ma belle-sœur.

  2. 2Shopping

    Je sors avec ma belle-sœur cet après-midi.

    I'm going out with my sister-in-law this afternoon.

    Avec ma belle-sœur.

  3. 3Introducing

    Je te présente ma belle-sœur, Léa.

    This is my sister-in-law, Léa.

    Je te présente.

Mistakes English speakers make with belle-sœur

Incorrect: Mon belle-sœur arrive.

Correct: Ma belle-sœur arrive.

Belle-sœur is feminine: ma.

Incorrect: Ma sister-in-law appelle.

Correct: Ma belle-sœur appelle.

Use belle-sœur.

Good to know

Belle-sœur covers your sibling's wife and your spouse's sister. Spelling keeps œ in sœur. Demi-sœur is half-sister.

Try it in a ChatPal conversation

Planning a baby shower gift

  1. ChatPal

    Ta belle-sœur a déjà une poussette ?

    Does your sister-in-law already have a stroller?

  2. You

    Oui. Ma belle-sœur préfère des livres.

    Yes. My sister-in-law prefers books.

  3. ChatPal

    Alors on offre ça à ta belle-sœur.

    Then we'll give that to your sister-in-law.

  4. You

    Parfait. Je commande ce soir.

    Perfect. I'll order tonight.

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"Sister-in-law" in other languages

FAQ

Common questions about "Sister-in-law" in French

How do I say sister-in-law?

La belle-sœur.

How do I say my sister-in-law?

Ma belle-sœur.

What is beau-frère?

Brother-in-law.

How do you pronounce belle-sœur?

Bell-SUR.

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