a new born baby?

CoralieB1Kwiziq community member

a new born baby?

Can you say

Ma soeur a un bebe neuf

meaning a brand new baby?


Asked 3 years ago
CélineKwiziq team memberCorrect answer

Bonjour Coralie,

Maarten is right here. Newborn baby = 'un nouveau-né' (up to 28 days old). After that, we talk about ‘un nourrisson’ = an infant.

According to Le Robert, ‘nouveau-née’ does exist, as well as ‘nouvelle-née’ as Maarten has mentioned in his reply (Académie Française). And yet, personally, I have never heard it mentioned to me or about other people’s babies (and I have two very young children).

I hope this is helpful.

Bonne journée!

MaartenC1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

«Ma soeur a un nouveau-né». "My sister has a newborn" (technically less than 28 days).

 Looking at multiple sites, 'modernisation' is happening. The Académie-française dictionary notes that the feminine form «nouvelle-née» is in use (although doesn't seem to directly endorse its use). 

Alfonso MatoB2Kwiziq community member

I dont think you can use bebe neuf in that case. Neuf cant be used with persons.

Coralie asked:View original

a new born baby?

Can you say

Ma soeur a un bebe neuf

meaning a brand new baby?


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