aboyer
/a.bwa.je/
To bark (the sound a dog makes) 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 primary verb for a dog making a loud noise is aboyer. If you wish to refer to the sound itself as a noun, use aboiement. Note that écorce is used for the bark of a tree, not the sound.
Which one should you use?
While aboyer is the standard term 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 of aboyer is aboie.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables and is pronounced /a.bwa.je/.
Did you know?
- French speakers use the verb aboyer to describe the sound of a seal, not just dogs.
- The verb japper originates from a Germanic root that meant not only to bark but also to boast or brag.
Examples in context
- Le chien n'arrivait pas à aboyer.The dog couldn't bark.This sentence shows how to use aboyer in a negative context.Tatoeba #7017091 by Micsmithel, translation #2489590 by alvations
- Soudain, un chien se mit à aboyer.Suddenly, a dog began to bark.This sentence shows the start of an action using aboyer.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 an idiomatic expression regarding someone who makes noise but lacks action.Tatoeba #12689488 by sacredceltic, translation #2654345 by Hybrid
- Le chien aboie dans le jardinThe dog is barking in the garden.
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma and Lucas are walking in a park near a house.
- EmmaPourquoi ce chien se met-il à aboyer ?Why is that dog starting to bark?
- LucasIl ne fait qu'aboyer parce qu'il nous voit.He is just barking because he sees us.
- EmmaIl ne va pas s'arrêter d'aboyer ?Is he not going to stop barking?
- LucasNe t'inquiète pas, il est très gentil.Don't worry, he is very kind.
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.
