French Phrase
C'est une petite réunion de famille.
Meaning
The sentence means "It's a small family gathering." It conveys that a modest, intimate get‑together of relatives is taking place, often implying a relaxed, informal atmosphere.
When to use
Use this phrase when describing a casual family event, such as a birthday dinner, a holiday brunch, or any occasion where only a few relatives are present. It works well in both spoken and written French, especially when you want to emphasize the modest size of the gathering.
✦Grammar Breakdown
C'estunepetiteréuniondefamille
C'est
Contraction of "ce" + "est" meaning "it is"; used before a noun phrase.
une
Indefinite article for feminine singular nouns.
petite
Adjective meaning "small"; must agree in gender and number with the noun (feminine singular).
réunion
Feminine noun meaning "meeting" or "gathering".
de
Preposition indicating possession or relationship, here "of".
famille
Feminine noun meaning "family".
🗨In Conversation
C'est une petite réunion de famille ce week‑end.
It's a small family gathering this weekend.
Super, j'apporterai un dessert !
Great, I'll bring a dessert!
✕Common Mistakes
C'est un petite réunion de famille.
The article and adjective must agree with the feminine noun "réunion"; use "une petite".
C'est une petite réunion du famille.
Use "de" for "of" with a noun; "du" contracts "de le" and is incorrect here.
C'est une petit réunion de famille.
The adjective must match the gender of the noun; "réunion" is feminine, so "petite" is required.
↔Alternatives
C'est un petit rassemblement familial.
It's a small family gathering.
Nous avons une petite réunion de famille.
We have a small family gathering.
C'est une petite rencontre de famille.
It's a small family meet‑up.
Cultural Tip
In France, family gatherings are often centered around meals, and even a "petite réunion" can involve multiple courses and a lot of conversation. The word "réunion" sounds slightly more formal than "rassemblement" or "rencontre," so it’s appropriate for occasions like a holiday brunch or a birthday dinner. Remember that French families value politeness; offering to bring something (like a dessert) is a common way to show appreciation.