câlin
/ka.lɛ̃/
The English phrase 'cuddly' is translated into French as câlin.
câlin is used to describe someone or something that is suitable for cuddling. You can also use the expression être un vrai nounours to describe a person as cuddly.
Meaning: Suitable for cuddling (adj)
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective câlin is derived from the verb câliner, which means to cuddle or to hug affectionately. The form changes to agree with the gender and number of the noun it describes: use câline for feminine singular, câlins for masculine plural and câlines for feminine plural.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables and is pronounced /ka.lɛ̃/.
When do people say it?
In French, the word Doudou refers to a soft, cuddly and comforting object, such as a child's soft toy or blanket.
Did you know?
- The term Doudou, used for a child's cuddly object, is also a common term of endearment for a romantic partner, similar to 'sweetheart' in English.
- In some French dialects, câliner can be used to describe pampering someone with excessive kindness or indulgence, even without physical touch.
- The spelling of câlin includes a circumflex accent over the 'a', which historically indicated a long vowel or a letter that was once pronounced.
Examples in context
- Ces chatons sont tellement mignons et câlins.These kittens are so cute and cuddly.This sentence is useful for seeing how to describe kittens as câlin.Tatoeba #3634692 by sacredceltic, translation #3634036 by Hybrid
- Je câline ma peluche.I hug my cuddly toy.This sentence shows the use of the verb form of câlin.Tatoeba #12487504 by menaud, translation #12487515 by menaud
- Je suis en train de câliner ma peluche.I'm hugging my cuddly toy.This sentence demonstrates the continuous action of hugging a toy using a form of câlin.Tatoeba #12487605 by menaud, translation #12487621 by menaud
- Regarde ce chiot ! Il est vraiment mignon et câlin.Look at this puppy! He is really cute and cuddly.
- J'ai toujours mon doudou avec moi pour me sentir en sécurité.I always have my cuddly toy with me to feel secure.
- Mon grand-père est si gentil et attentionné, c'est un vrai nounours.My grandfather is so kind and caring, he's like a teddy bear.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma and Nathan are looking at a puppy in a pet shop.
- EmmaRegarde ce chiot, il est si câlin !Look at this puppy, he is so cuddly!
- NathanOui, il a l'air très mignon, Emma.Yes, he looks very cute, Emma.
- EmmaOn peut le porter ?Can we hold him?
- NathanAttends, demandons au vendeur.Wait, let's ask the seller.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cuddly” translations and entries câlin, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries câlin, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
