chien
/ʃjɛ̃/
The French word chien means dog.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Québec, Canada, people often use the term pitou to refer to a dog informally.
How does it change in a sentence?
The feminine form of chien is chienne for a female dog, and the plural form is chiens for dogs.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʃjɛ̃/
When do people say it?
When referring to a dog in a cute or endearing manner, the term Toutou is commonly used.
Did you know?
- The feminine form chienne is often used as a very vulgar insult in French, far more aggressive than the simple word for a female dog.
- While chien is the standard word, the expression un temps de chien is used to describe terrible, rainy or cold weather.
- The English word 'canine' shares the exact same Latin root, canis, as the French word chien.
Examples in context
- Dans mon étude sur les races de chiens , j'ai étudié la génétique des canidés.In my study on dog breeds, I researched the genetics of canines.
- J'adore les toutous ! Mon cabot s'appelle Milou.I love pooches! My dog's name is Milou.
- Le chien court dans le jardin.The dog runs in the garden.
- J'ai un petit chien blanc.I have a small white dog.
- Ce chien est très gentil.This dog is very kind.
Example conversation
Nathan and Manon are walking in a park.
- NathanRegarde ce beau chien !Look at that beautiful dog!
- ManonIl est très mignon, Nathan.He is very cute, Nathan.
- NathanEst-ce que tu aimes les chiens ?Do you like dogs?
- ManonOui, j'adore les chiens.Yes, I love dogs.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry chien, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries chien, CC BY-SA 4.0.
