câlin
/ka.lɛ̃/
The English word cuddle can be translated into French as câlin.
In French, câlin can refer to an affectionate embrace or the act of lying together snugly. While it can be used as a noun to mean a cuddle or a hug, it is often used idiomatically in the phrase faire des câlins to express the action of cuddling or giving cuddles.
Meaning: intransitive: embrace, lie together snugly (verb)
Which one should you use?
While câlin can mean a hug, it specifically implies a sense of warmth, softness and affection, similar to the English word 'cuddle'.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When you use the word as an adjective to describe a person, you must use the feminine form câline for females. If you want to say 'to hold in one's arms', you would use the phrase Serrer dans ses bras.
How do you pronounce it?
/ka.lɛ̃/ (2 syllables)
Did you know?
- While faire un câlin describes a cuddle, the verb câliner can also mean 'to pamper' or 'to spoil' someone with affection.
- The phrase faire des câlins is the standard way to speak to children, but using it with a romantic partner can sometimes feel slightly 'infantile' or 'cute' depending on the couple's dynamic.
- While câlin is sweet and affectionate, if you were to use the word étreinte, you would be describing a much more formal, intense, or even dramatic embrace, often seen in literature.
Examples in context
- On pourrait pas faire des câlins, plutôt ?Couldn't we cuddle, instead?This sentence uses the form câlin to suggest cuddling as an alternative activity.Tatoeba #910124 by bojnin, translation #926817 by bojnin
- Envie d'un câlin ?Wanna cuddle?This sentence uses the form câlin to ask if someone wants to cuddle.Tatoeba #12487474 by menaud, translation #11246631 by shekitten
- Tu veux un câlin ?Do you want a cuddle?Tatoeba #12487482 by menaud, translation #12409046 by sundown
- On se fait un câlin pour se réchauffer?Shall we have a cuddle to warm up?
- Viens, je vais te bisouiller comme on le fait chez nous!Come here, I'm going to give you lots of kisses and cuddles, like we do at home!
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Léa and Nathan are relaxing on the sofa.
- LéaOn fait un câlin ?Shall we cuddle?
- NathanOui, j'en ai très envie.Yes, I really want to.
- LéaViens là, fais-moi un câlin.Come here, give me a cuddle.
- NathanC'est tellement agréable.This is so nice.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry câlin, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
