chat noir
The French phrase chat noir means "black cat".
chat noir is used to describe a cat with black fur.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the noun chat (cat) and the adjective noir (black).
How does it change in a sentence?
In French, the adjective noir follows the noun chat, unlike the English 'black cat'. To make the phrase plural, both the noun and the adjective take an 's' to become chats noirs.
Did you know?
- The phrase chat noir is world-famous as the name of a cabaret in Montmartre, Paris, which was a hub for artists and poets in the 1890s.
- The adjective noir shares an ancestral root with the word nègre, making them linguistic doublets that stem from the same Latin origin.
- If a French person describes a mood as noir, they are referring to a profound sense of pessimism or depression rather than a color.
Examples in context
- J'ai toujours adoré le Chat Noir.I have always loved Chat Noir.
- As-tu vu le dernier épisode de Chat Noir?Have you seen the latest episode of Chat Noir?
- C'est incroyable de voir à quelle vitesse Le Chat Noir peut se déplacer.It's amazing to see how fast Chat Noir can move.
- Je vois un chat noir dans le jardin.I see a black cat in the garden.
- Le chat noir dort sur le canapé.The black cat is sleeping on the sofa.
- Mon chat noir est très calme.My black cat is very calm.
Example conversation
Lucas and Léa are looking at a pet shop window.
- LucasRegarde ce petit chat noir !Look at that little black cat!
- LéaOh, il est vraiment mignon.Oh, he is really cute.
- LucasTu veux l'adopter, Léa ?Do you want to adopt him, Léa?
- LéaPeut-être, mais je dois demander à mes parents.Maybe, but I have to ask my parents.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries chat, noir, CC BY-SA 4.0.
