mâtin
/ma.tɛ̃/
The English word "mastiff" is translated into French as mâtin.
mâtin refers to a powerful, deep-chested dog with a smooth coat.
Meaning: powerful, deep-chested, and smooth-coated dog (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The feminine form of mâtin is mâtine, which is used when referring specifically to a female mastiff.
How do you pronounce it?
/ma.tɛ̃/
Did you know?
- In French, mâtin is used as an old-fashioned exclamation of surprise or annoyance, similar to saying 'good heavens' or 'my goodness'.
- The term mâtin comes from the Latin word mānsuētus, which means 'tamed'.
- In French, the word mâtin is also an archaic term of endearment or a playful insult, roughly equivalent to calling someone a 'rascal' or a 'scoundrel'.
Examples in context
- Le dogue est une race de chien puissant et majestueux.The Mastiff is a powerful and majestic dog breed.
- Un dogue puissantA powerful Mastiff
- Des dogues puissantsPowerful Mastiffs
Example conversation
Hugo and Emma are visiting a dog shelter.
- HugoRegarde ce mâtin, il est énorme !Look at that mastiff, he is huge!
- EmmaOui, mais il a l'air très gentil.Yes, but he looks very kind.
- HugoJe pense que le mâtin est un bon gardien.I think the mastiff is a good guardian.
- EmmaC'est vrai, il protège bien sa famille.That's true, he protects his family well.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry mâtin, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mâtin, CC BY-SA 4.0.
