chatte
/ʃat/
The French phrase for "female cat" is chatte.
The term is used to denote a cat that is female.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
In many contexts, the word chatte is used as a vulgar slang term for female genitalia. La minette is an informal term used affectionately for a female cat.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʃat/
Did you know?
- In French, the word chatte can also be used in the idiomatic expression avoir de la chatte, which means to be very lucky.
- While minette is an affectionate term for a female cat, it can also be used as a mildly condescending or overly sweet way to address a young woman.
- Because of the vulgar connotations of chatte, French speakers often use the masculine chat to refer to a pet regardless of its gender.
Examples in context
- Je m'occupe d'une chatte.I keep a female cat.This sentence shows how to use chatte when talking about caring for a female cat.Tatoeba #6418 by fucongcong, translation #258086 by shekitten
Example conversation
Manon shows Hugo a photo of her pet.
- ManonRegarde, c'est ma nouvelle chatte !Look, this is my new female cat!
- HugoElle est vraiment belle, Manon.She is really beautiful, Manon.
- ManonMerci, elle est très calme.Thank you, she is very calm.
- HugoJe veux bien la rencontrer.I would love to meet her.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry chatte, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
