minou minou minou
The English phrase "kitty kitty kitty" is translated into French as minou minou minou.
This repetitive phrase is used to call a cat or to get its attention, performing a function very similar to the English "kitty kitty".
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is built from the word minou, which is an affectionate, diminutive form of the standard French word for cat, chat.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The phrase is informal and affectionate. It is typically used when speaking directly to a pet or to a child.
Did you know?
- The word minou is also used as a playful or affectionate term for a romantic partner in some French dialects.
- In French, there is a distinction between chat for a male cat and chatte for a female cat, but minou is a gender-neutral term of endearment.
- The term minou is a variant of the word minet, which can also be used to describe a person who is perceived as being soft or timid.
Examples in context
- Minou minou minou, viens ici !Kitty kitty kitty, come here!
- Il m'entend quand je dis minou minou minou.He hears me when I say kitty kitty kitty.
- Minou minou minou, tu veux une friandise ?Kitty kitty kitty, do you want a treat?
Example conversation
Chloé and Lucas are looking for their cat in the garden.
- ChloéJe ne le vois pas. Minou minou minou !I don't see him. Kitty kitty kitty!
- LucasJe crois qu'il est sous le buisson.I think he is under the bush.
- ChloéMinou minou minou, sors de là !Kitty kitty kitty, get out of there!
- LucasIl arrive, il a faim.He is coming, he is hungry.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries minou, CC BY-SA 4.0.
