chien
/ʃjɛ̃/masculine
The English word dog is translated into French as chien.
The term refers to the animal. When referring to a dog in a general sense or a male dog, use the masculine form un chien. In a similar way to the English expression Fido, the name Médor can be used to refer to a generic dog.
Meaning: animal (noun)
Which one should you use?
The masculine form chien is used for male dogs or as a generic term for the species.
How does it change in a sentence?
The feminine form of chien is chienne. For plural forms, the masculine plural is chiens and the feminine plural is chiennes.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʃjɛ̃/
Did you know?
- If you are looking for a female dog, you must use chienne, but be careful, as this word is also used as a vulgar insult in French.
- In French, un temps de chien refers to terrible, rainy or freezing weather, rather than the behavior of an animal.
- While chien is the standard word, the term toutou is a common, affectionate nursery word for 'dog' used by children and pet owners.
Examples in context
- Tu es un chien.You're a dog.This sentence is useful for seeing how to say someone is a chien.Tatoeba #1193502 by Julien_PDC, translation #1193496 by shekitten
- Vise ce chien !Look at that dog.This sentence is useful for practicing pointing out a chien.Tatoeba #3643752 by sacredceltic, translation #2648777 by CK
- Tom a un chien.Tom has a dog.This sentence is useful for stating that someone possesses a chien.Tatoeba #5419894 by Aiji, translation #2649192 by CK
- Je suis allergique aux chiens.I am allergic to dogs.
- Le chien est un animal loyal.The dog is a loyal animal.
- J'ai un chien merveilleux.I have a wonderful dog.
- 1686 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nathan and Manon are walking in a park.
- NathanRegarde ce beau chien !Look at that beautiful dog!
- ManonOui, il est adorable.Yes, he is adorable.
- NathanEst-ce qu'il est amical ?Is he friendly?
- ManonJe pense que oui.I think so.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “dog” translations and entries chien, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
