nounou
/nu.nu/feminine
The English phrase "nanny" translates to French as nounou. If unsure, use nounou. Wiktionary also lists nourrice and bonne d'enfants.
Meaning: child's nurse (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| nounou | /nu.nu/ | feminine |
| nourrice | /nu.ʁis/ | feminine |
| bonne d'enfants | feminine |
Which one should you use?
nounou is the term for a contemporary nanny, whereas nourrice sounds more old-fashioned or clinical. The term baby-sitter is borrowed directly from English to refer to a babysitter.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
nounou is an informal and affectionate term used by children or within families. In contrast, nourrice is a more formal or traditional term, often implying a person who provides long-term care or a wet nurse. A formal way to refer to a child caregiver is Soignante d'enfants.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In North Africa and some parts of France, the affectionate term Tata is used for a nanny, similar to the English "auntie".
How does it change in a sentence?
All the forms listed are feminine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/nu.nu/
Did you know?
- The term bonne d'enfants is a very traditional way to describe a domestic worker, but it can carry a somewhat patronizing or dated social connotation today.
- The word nourrice shares a root with the English word 'nourish', both stemming from the Latin 'nutrire' which means 'to feed'.
- The term nounou is a reduplication of the word nourrice, a common linguistic pattern in French used to create cute or affectionate names for people or objects.
Examples in context
- Tu es ma nounou ?Are you my nanny?This sentence is useful for asking if someone is your nanny.Tatoeba #11900820 by zogwarg, translation #11900737 by CK
- Il adore sa nounou.He adores his nanny.This sentence is useful for expressing affection for a nanny.Tatoeba #11964186 by Amastan, translation #8365535 by Amastan
- Vous êtes la nouvelle nounou ?Are you the new nanny?This sentence is useful for asking if someone is the new nanny.Tatoeba #10265967 by lbdx, translation #5004894 by CK
- Madame Dupont, la gouvernante, s'occupe bien des enfants.Mrs. Dupont, the nanny, takes good care of the children.
- La nounou de mes enfants est très attentionnée.My children's nanny is very caring.
- Je vous présente notre nounou/garde d'enfants, MarieLet me introduce you to our nanny, Marie
- Tu es une merveilleuse nounouYou are a wonderful nanny
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A mother is talking to a man about childcare.
- ChloéEst-ce que tu cherches une nounou ?Are you looking for a nanny?
- NathanOui, je cherche une nounou pour mon fils.Yes, I am looking for a nanny for my son.
- ChloéMa sœur est une excellente nounou.My sister is an excellent nanny.
- NathanC'est gentil, je vais l'appeler.That's kind, I will call her.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “nanny” translations and entries nounou, nourrice, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries nounou, nourrice, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
