mignon
/mi.ɲɔ̃/masculine
In French, the English phrase 'cutie' is expressed by mignon.
While often used to mean a 'cutie', this word is primarily used as an adjective meaning 'cute'. It can be applied to both people and animals.
Meaning: cute person or animal (noun)
Which one should you use?
The form you choose depends on the gender of the person or animal you are describing. Use the masculine form mignon for a male and the feminine form mignonne for a female.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word changes form based on the gender and number of the subject. The masculine singular is mignon, and the feminine singular is mignonne. For groups, use the masculine plural mignons or the feminine plural mignonnes.
How do you pronounce it?
/mi.ɲɔ̃/
Did you know?
- The word mignon is used in French gastronomy to describe the 'pork tenderloin', known as filet mignon, because it is the most tender part of the meat.
- While mignon is common, French speakers may use craquant to describe a 'cutie', which literally translates to 'crunchy' or 'crackling'.
- In the court of King Henry II of France, the mignons were a specific group of young male favorites who were known for their fashion and close relationship with the king.
Examples in context
- Salut, ma mignonne.Hi, cutie pie.This sentence shows the use of the feminine form of mignon in a greeting.Tatoeba #14032934 by Myrano_, translation #14032928 by Myrano_
- Vous êtes vraiment mignonYou are really cute
- Salut, mon chouHi, sweetie
- Je t'aime, mon loulouI love you, my cutie
- Viens ici, mon poussinCome here, my cutie
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gabriel shows Manon a photo of his new puppy.
- GabrielRegarde mon nouveau chiot.Look at my new puppy.
- ManonOh, quel mignon !Oh, what a cutie!
- GabrielIl est très calme.He is very calm.
- ManonIl est adorable.He is adorable.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cutie” translations and entries mignon, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
