caneton
/kan.tɔ̃/masculine
The English word "duckling" is caneton in French. Wiktionary also lists canardeau.
Meaning: young duck (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| caneton | /kan.tɔ̃/ | masculine |
| canardeau | masculine |
The term refers to a young duck.
What does it mean word for word?
The word caneton is formed from canard (duck) and the diminutive suffix -eton.
Which one should you use?
Caneton is the standard term for a duckling, while canardeau is an archaic and more literary term.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the plural, use canetons.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables and is pronounced /kan.tɔ̃/.
Did you know?
- While caneton describes the bird, in the world of high gastronomy, a caneton à la presse is a famous, decadent dish where the duck is partially crushed to extract its juices.
- Although canard means duck, the French use the word canard to describe a fake news story or a journalistic hoax.
- In French, the expression mon petit caneton can be used as an affectionate pet name for a child, similar to how English speakers use 'sweetie' or 'honey'.
Examples in context
- Tout ceci était bien triste pour le pauvre petit caneton.All this was very sad for the poor little duckling.This sentence is useful for showing how to describe a sad situation involving a caneton.Tatoeba #3758620 by sacredceltic, translation #3757208 by Hybrid
- Des familles de petits canards nagent dans la rivière.Families of ducklings are swimming in the river.
- Regarde ce petit caneton jaune.Look at this little yellow duckling.
Example conversation
Nathan and Manon are looking at a pond in a park.
- NathanRegarde ce caneton, Manon !Look at that duckling, Manon!
- ManonOh, il est vraiment mignon.Oh, it is really cute.
- NathanOù est sa famille ?Where is its family?
- ManonLe caneton va les rejoindre.The duckling is going to join them.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “duckling” translations and entries caneton, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
