chaton
/ʃa.tɔ̃/masculine
The French word for kitten is chaton.
The word chaton refers to a young cat.
Meaning: a young cat (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
chaton is a diminutive of chat (cat), created by adding the suffix -on to mean little cat.
How does it change in a sentence?
chaton is a masculine noun. To talk about more than one kitten, use the plural form chatons. While chaton is the standard form used for kittens of both sexes, if you are specifically referring to a female kitten, you can use the feminine form chatonne.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʃa.tɔ̃/ (2 syllables)
Did you know?
- French speakers may use chaton as a romantic term of endearment for a partner, similar to how English speakers use 'kitten' or 'honey'.
- While chaton usually means a young cat, its historical roots actually refer to a small 'gemstone' or 'jewel' set into a ring.
- In some French dialects or informal settings, people use the word minou as a generic, cute alternative to chaton.
Examples in context
- Un chaton est né.A kitten was born.This sentence is useful for stating that a kitten was born.Tatoeba #4092216 by sbamsbamsbam, translation #4091889 by andymakespasta
- Ce chaton veut dormir.This kitten wants to sleep.This sentence is useful for describing a kitten that wants to sleep.Tatoeba #3250067 by sacredceltic, translation #2625963 by Joseph
- Ma fille veut un chaton.My daughter wants a kitten.This sentence is useful for expressing a desire for a kitten.Tatoeba #1183899 by sacredceltic, translation #1183896 by Scott
- Regarde ce mignon minou !Look at this cute kitten!
- 20 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gabriel and Emma are looking at a small pet in a shop.
- GabrielRegarde ce petit chaton !Look at this little kitten!
- EmmaIl est vraiment adorable, Gabriel.He is really adorable, Gabriel.
- GabrielEst-ce qu'on peut l'adopter ?Can we adopt him?
- EmmaOui, je pense qu'il est disponible.Yes, I think he is available.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “kitten” translations and entries chaton, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries chaton, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
