collant
/kɔ.lɑ̃/
The English phrase clingy can be translated into French as collant.
collant is used to describe someone who is possessive over another person. There are also informal ways to express this idea, such as Pot de colle, which literally means 'pot of glue' or the phrase Collant(e) comme une sangsue, which translates to 'clingy as a leech'.
Meaning: possessive over another person (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The adjective collant is derived from the verb coller (to stick) and literally means 'sticky' in a physical sense.
Which one should you use?
While collant is used to describe a person's personality, it is also the noun for 'tights' or 'pantyhose' in French.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective must agree in gender with the person being described. It becomes collante for feminine subjects.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /kɔ.lɑ̃/ and has two syllables.
Did you know?
- If you call a man collant, you might accidentally be telling him he is wearing tights. Because collant is the noun for 'pantyhose', the word functions as a double entendre in many contexts.
- In some contexts, calling someone collant can specifically refer to an annoying salesperson who will not leave a customer alone.
- Calling someone a Pot de colle avoids the adjective entirely and turns the person into a noun, which is a common French way to turn a personality flaw into a humorous nickname.
Examples in context
- Ma copine me trouve trop protecteur et collant.My girlfriend thinks I'm overprotective and clingy.This sentence is useful for seeing how to describe someone as overprotective and collant.Tatoeba #12261445 by lbdx, translation #12261443 by Miktsoanit
- Julien est toujours un pot de colle, il ne me lâche jamais!Julien is always so clingy, he never leaves me alone!
- Il est vraiment trop collant avec sa petite amie.He is really too clingy with his girlfriend.
- Je ne veux pas être collant, mais j'ai besoin de te voir.I don't want to be clingy, but I need to see you.
Example conversation
Nathan and Léa are discussing a friend's behavior.
- NathanTu trouves que Marc est collant ?Do you think Marc is clingy?
- LéaOui, il veut toujours être avec nous.Yes, he always wants to be with us.
- NathanC'est vrai, il ne nous laisse pas respirer.That's true, he doesn't let us breathe.
- LéaC'est fatigant quand quelqu'un est collant.It's tiring when someone is clingy.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “clingy” translations and entries collant, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
