chien mignon
The English phrase "cute dog" is translated into French as chien mignon.
The phrase is used to describe a dog that is attractive in a sweet or endearing way. If you are specifically referring to a puppy, you can use the word Chiot.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase chien mignon, the adjective mignon follows the noun chien. Because French uses grammatical gender and number, you must adjust the phrase to match the subject. To describe a cute female dog, use une chienne mignonne. To describe multiple cute dogs, use des chiens mignons. If you are describing multiple cute female dogs, use des chiennes mignonnes.
Did you know?
- The word mignon shares an ancient root with the English word 'mind'. This connection comes from a Proto-Indo-European root meaning 'to think', suggesting that something 'cute' is something that holds one's thoughts or affection.
- In historical French contexts, mignon was once used to describe a 'dainty' or 'pleasing' person, often referring to the favorites of a king.
- The adjective mignon can be used as a noun in French to describe a 'darling' or a 'sweetheart'. This turns a descriptive adjective into a term of endearment for a person.
Examples in context
- Regarde ce chien mignon!Look at this cute dog!
- J'ai vu un adorable toutou ce matin!I saw an adorable dog this morning!
- Viens ici, mon petit chien chou!Come here, my little cute dog!
- J'ai trouvé une adorable boule de poils dans le parc!I found an adorable ball of fur in the park!
- Quel chien mignon!What a cute dog!
- Il a un petit chien mignon.He has a cute little dog.
Example conversation
Gabriel and Emma are walking in a park.
- GabrielEmma, regarde ce chien mignon !Emma, look at this cute dog!
- EmmaOh oui, il est vraiment mignon.Oh yes, he is really cute.
- GabrielTu veux jouer avec lui ?Do you want to play with him?
- EmmaOui, avec plaisir !Yes, with pleasure!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries chien, mignon, CC BY-SA 4.0.
