aboyer
/a.bwa.je/
To bark in French is aboyer. Wiktionary also lists japper.
Meaning: to make a loud noise (dogs) (verb)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA |
|---|---|
| aboyer | /a.bwa.je/ |
| japper | /ʒa.pe/ |
The verb aboyer is the standard way to describe a dog making a loud noise. If you are referring to the noun for a single bark or the general act of barking, use aboiement. Note that the noun écorce is used for the exterior covering of a tree, which is a different meaning of the English word bark.
Which one should you use?
While aboyer is the standard verb for a dog barking, japper is used for the high-pitched, repetitive yapping of small dogs.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The third-person singular present indicative form of aboyer is aboie.
How do you pronounce it?
/a.bwa.je/
Did you know?
- The verb japper shares roots with the Proto-Germanic word *galpōną, which originally meant to 'boast' or 'brag' in addition to making noise.
- If you use the word aboyer to describe a person, you are likely saying they are shouting or snapping at someone rudely.
Examples in context
- Le chien n'arrivait pas à aboyer.The dog couldn't bark.This sentence shows the use of aboyer regarding a dog's inability to bark.Tatoeba #7017091 by Micsmithel, translation #2489590 by alvations
- Soudain, un chien se mit à aboyer.Suddenly, a dog began to bark.This sentence illustrates the use of aboyer when a dog begins to bark.Tatoeba #6488544 by sacredceltic, translation #4967945 by AlanF_US
- Il ne fait qu'aboyer mais il ne mord pas.He's all bark and no bite.This sentence uses aboyer in a metaphorical sense similar to the English idiom 'all bark and no bite'.Tatoeba #12689488 by sacredceltic, translation #2654345 by Hybrid
- Le chien aboie bruyammentThe dog barks loudly
- Le chiot jappe joyeusementThe puppy barks happily
- Le chien aboie toutes les nuitsThe dog barks every night
- Le petit chien jappe quand il voit de nouveaux visiteursThe small dog barks when he sees new visitors
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Chloé and Nathan are walking through a park near a house.
- ChloéEst-ce que tu entends ce chien aboyer ?Do you hear that dog barking?
- NathanOui, il semble très agité.Yes, he seems very agitated.
- ChloéIl ne faut pas l'effrayer.We shouldn't frighten him.
- NathanTu as raison, continuons notre chemin.You are right, let's keep walking.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bark” translations and entries aboyer, japper, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries aboyer, japper, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
