Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| animal de compagnie | /a.ni.mal də kɔ̃.pa.ɲi/ | masculine |
| animal familier | masculine | |
| animal domestique | /a.ni.mal dɔ.mɛs.tik/ | masculine |
In French, several terms are used to refer to an animal kept as a companion. Animal de compagnie is the most common and natural way to refer specifically to a household pet. Animal domestique is a broader term that can refer to all types of pets, but it also encompasses livestock or farm animals. In more playful or informal settings, you might hear ami à quatre pattes (four-legged friend) or, when referring specifically to dogs, the colloquial term toutou. For a male cat, the colloquial term matou is used.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase animal de compagnie literally translates to 'companion animal'.
Which one should you use?
Animal de compagnie focuses on the animal as a companion, whereas animal domestique (domestic animal) is a more general term that can include farm animals. Animal familier is another form for a pet.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
All the provided forms for 'pet' are masculine nouns.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use the adjective petit (small) to mean 'pet'. Instead, use the full phrase animal de compagnie to express the noun 'pet'.
When do people say it?
The term toutou is a cute colloquialism often used by children and pet owners to refer to dogs.
Did you know?
- The word compagnie in animal de compagnie shares a root with the word copain (buddy) and comes from the Latin words for 'with' and 'bread'.
- The term matou specifically refers to a male cat and carries a connotation of a large or grumpy cat.
- The word familier can describe a pet, but it also describes a person who is 'familiar' or 'intimate' with you, often in a way that is too informal.
Examples in context
- As-tu un animal domestique ?Do you have a pet?This sentence is useful for asking if someone has an animal domestique.Tatoeba #1342152 by sacredceltic, translation #953189 by CK
- As-tu un animal de compagnie ?Have you got a pet?This sentence is useful for asking if someone has an animal de compagnie.Tatoeba #9973819 by felix63, translation #2612091 by sundown
- Nous avons un animal domestique.We have a pet.This sentence is useful for stating that we have an animal domestique.Tatoeba #8239474 by felix63, translation #13190565 by rul
- J'ai un chien qui est mon animal de compagnie. Il est très fidèle et affectueux.I have a dog who is my companion animal. He is very loyal and affectionate.
- Mon toutou s'appelle Max et il est toujours heureux de me voir!My four-legged friend is called Max, and he is always happy to see me!
- 32 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nathan and Chloé are talking about their homes.
- NathanEst-ce que tu as un animal de compagnie ?Do you have a pet?
- ChloéOui, j'ai un petit chat blanc.Yes, I have a small white cat.
- NathanC'est super, j'adore les chats !That's great, I love cats!
- ChloéEt toi, tu veux un animal de compagnie ?And you, do you want a pet?
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pet” translations and entries animal de compagnie, animal domestique, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries animal, compagnie, de, domestique, familier, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
