chienne
The English phrase 'female dog' is translated into French as chienne.
The word chienne is used to refer specifically to a female dog. In more formal or technical contexts, one might use the term femelle to refer to the sex of a female animal, including dogs.
Which one should you use?
While chienne is the specific term for a female dog, the masculine form chien is used to refer to a male dog. When you need to specify that an animal is female in a formal context, you can use the term femelle.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
In its literal sense, chienne is a standard noun for a female dog. However, be aware that in informal or vulgar contexts, chienne is used as a derogatory insult for a woman, similar to the English word 'bitch'.
How does it change in a sentence?
chienne is a feminine noun and must agree with feminine adjectives in gender.
Did you know?
- While English speakers might use 'bitch' to describe a difficult person, a French person calling someone a chienne is almost exclusively targeting the person's perceived sexual morality.
- In historical French literature, calling a woman a chienne was often used to denote a woman who was considered treacherous or disloyal, rather than just using it as a modern vulgarity.
- In the phrase chien de garde meaning 'guard dog', the word chien remains masculine even if the dog is a chienne.
Examples in context
- En 1957, l'Union Soviétique envoya une chienne nommée Laika dans l'espace.In 1957, the Soviet Union sent a female dog named Laika into space.This sentence is useful for seeing how to refer to the female dog Laika using chienne.Tatoeba #6775735 by Micsmithel, translation #3625124 by Hybrid
- Lisa possède une chienne adorable nommée Sophie.Lisa owns an adorable female dog named Sophie.
- La femelle de cette race de chien est réputée pour sa douceur.The female of this dog breed is known for her gentleness.
Example conversation
Emma and Nathan are talking about their pets.
- EmmaRegarde, ma chienne joue avec la balle.Look, my female dog is playing with the ball.
- NathanElle est vraiment mignonne !She is really cute!
- EmmaMerci, elle est très gentille avec tout le monde.Thank you, she is very kind to everyone.
- NathanJe veux aussi adopter une chienne un jour.I want to adopt a female dog one day too.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
