mamelon
/mam.lɔ̃/masculine
The English word nipple is translated into French as mamelon, téton or tétin.
Meaning: projection of mammary gland (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| mamelon | /mam.lɔ̃/ | masculine |
| téton | /te.tɔ̃/ | masculine |
| tétin | /te.tɛ̃/ | masculine |
These terms all refer to the projection of the mammary gland. mamelon is the term used for both human and animal nipples.
Which one should you use?
mamelon is the formal or medical term, while tétin is a diminutive or colloquial term often used to describe a small nipple or the nipple of a baby's bottle.
How does it change in a sentence?
All three forms are masculine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/mam.lɔ̃/
Did you know?
- The word mamelon is used in French geography to describe the peak of a small hill or a rounded mound.
- In French, the word for a baby's pacifier is tétine, which is the feminine version of tétin.
- While mamelon sounds quite clinical, using téton in a medical setting would be considered highly inappropriate and overly vulgar.
Examples in context
- As-tu eu des écoulements du mamelon ?Have you had any nipple discharge?This sentence is useful for asking about nipple discharge using mamelon.Tatoeba #9982704 by Micsmithel, translation #9851353 by NurseMeeks
- La zone circulaire qui entoure le mamelon s'appelle l'aréole.The circular area around the nipple is called areola.This sentence is useful for describing the areola in relation to the mamelon.Tatoeba #9934232 by lbdx, translation #8958471 by Nylez
- Les mamelons des nouveaux-nés ont une fonction essentielle.Newborns' nipples have an essential function.
- La patiente se plaint de douleurs aux mamelons.The patient complains of nipple pain.
- Elle a eu des sensations désagréables au niveau des tétons.She experienced unpleasant sensations in her nipples.
- Le mamelon est très sensible.The nipple is very sensitive.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Manon is talking to Hugo about breastfeeding difficulties.
- ManonJ'ai une douleur au mamelon gauche.I have a pain in my left nipple.
- HugoC'est peut-être à cause de la position.Maybe it is because of the position.
- ManonJe pense que le mamelon est irrité.I think the nipple is irritated.
- HugoTu devrais demander conseil à une consultante.You should ask a consultant for advice.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “nipple” translations and entries mamelon, téton, tétin, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
