chat noir
The English phrase "black cat" is translated into French as chat noir.
The phrase is used to describe a cat that has black fur.
How does it change in a sentence?
To describe a black female cat, use the feminine form chatte noire. For multiple black cats, use the plural form chats noirs.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly place the adjective before the noun by saying noir chat. However, in French, the color adjective follows the noun.
Did you know?
- Using the feminine form chatte noire in casual conversation is risky because chatte is a common slang term for female genitalia.
- While a chat noir is often seen as unlucky in English-speaking cultures, some French superstitions historically viewed the black cat as a symbol of good luck.
- In France, the phrase chat noir is famously associated with a historic cabaret in Montmartre that served as a gathering place for artists like Picasso.
Examples in context
- J'ai un chat noir.I have a black cat.This sentence is useful for practicing the phrase chat noir in the context of possession.Tatoeba #6942212 by Aiji, translation #5858141 by CK
- Où est le chat noir ?Where's the black cat?This sentence is useful for asking about the location of a chat noir.Tatoeba #5241650 by martin9, translation #9828391 by CK
- Où était le chat noir ?Where was the black cat?Tatoeba #5241656 by martin9, translation #5263700 by dynamo
- 17 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Léa and Nathan are looking for their pet in the garden.
- LéaRegarde, il y a un chat noir là-bas !Look, there is a black cat over there!
- NathanAh, c'est notre chat noir.Ah, it is our black cat.
- LéaIl est caché sous le buisson.He is hiding under the bush.
- NathanJe vais le chercher.I am going to get him.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
