Ways to say it
| French | IPA |
|---|---|
| allaiter | /a.lɛ.te/ /a.le.te/ |
| donner la tétée | |
| donner le sein | /dɔ.ne l(ə) sɛ̃/ |
The primary way to express the act of breastfeeding is using the verb allaiter.
What does it mean word for word?
The verb allaiter is derived from the word lait, which means milk.
Which one should you use?
Allaiter is the standard and most common verb used to describe the act. Donner le sein is an idiomatic way to say the same thing, while donner la tétée refers more specifically to a single feeding session.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Allaiter is the standard term. For a more clinical or technical feel, you can use the formal expression nourrir au sein. If you are speaking colloquially, you might use donner le sein, whereas donner la tétée is an informal way to describe a feeding session.
How does it change in a sentence?
Allaiter is a transitive verb, meaning it is typically followed directly by a direct object, such as the baby.
How do you pronounce it?
allaiter is pronounced /a.lɛ.te/ and has 3 syllables.
Did you know?
- The word sein used in donner le sein is a linguistic relative of the English word 'sinus'. Both come from the Latin word sinus, which originally meant a fold or a hollow curve.
- The phrase donner la tétée uses a noun derived from the verb téter, which mimics the sound of sucking, making it a more sensory and informal way to describe a feeding.
- The verb allaiter can be used in a figurative sense to describe the act of nurturing or providing emotional sustenance to someone, though this is rare in modern speech.
Examples in context
- Marie veut allaiter son bébé, mais elle n'a pas assez de lait.Mary wants to breastfeed her baby, but she's not making enough milk.This sentence shows how to use allaiter when discussing a mother's ability to provide milk for her baby.Tatoeba #5685690 by Yemana, translation #5324806 by Hybrid
- Je vais allaiter mon bébé.I am going to breastfeed my baby.
- Est-ce que tu as essayé de donner le sein?Have you tried breastfeeding?
- J'ai besoin d'aide pour bien allaiter.I need help with breastfeeding.
- Elle souhaite allaiter son nouveau-né.She wishes to breastfeed her newborn.
- Il est important d'allaiter pendant les premiers mois.It is important to breastfeed during the first months.
Example conversation
Emma and Hugo are discussing baby care.
- EmmaJe pense que je vais allaiter.I think I am going to breastfeed.
- HugoC'est une excellente idée, Emma.That is a great idea, Emma.
- EmmaEst-ce que c'est difficile d'allaiter ?Is it difficult to breastfeed?
- HugoCertaines personnes disent que oui.Some people say it is.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “breastfeed” translations and entries allaiter, donner le sein, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries allaiter, donner, la, le, sein, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
