chat
standard
In Quebec French a cat is a chat, the same word as in France. A female cat is a chatte and minou is a pet name for a kitty.
Meaning: domestic cat (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | Note |
|---|---|
| chat | standard |
| chatte | female |
| minou | pet name |
Use un chat for a cat in general. Children and owners often say minou when they talk to the cat.
How do you pronounce it?
Chat sounds like "sha". The final t is silent.
Did you know?
- Quebec French often turns t and d into a hissing sound before the vowels i and u, so tu is heard close to "tsu".
Examples in context
- Mon chat dort sur le divan.My cat is sleeping on the couch.
- Viens ici, minou!Come here, kitty!
- La chatte a trois petits.The female cat has three kittens.
Example conversation
Léa and her mother Anne look for the cat in their house in Sherbrooke.
- LéaMaman, où est le chat?Mom, where is the cat?
- AnneIl dort sous la table.He is sleeping under the table.
- LéaViens, minou!Come, kitty!
