caresses
The French word for petting is caresses.
The term caresses is used to describe the act of stroking or fondling an animal.
Meaning: stroking or fondling an animal (noun)
Did you know?
- French uses the phrase caresser dans le sens du poil to mean flattering someone or playing to their ego, literally meaning 'to stroke in the direction of the fur'.
- In French, if you say you are giving caresses to a person, it often implies a sexual or romantic physical intimacy rather than simple friendly affection.
- If you want to say you are 'petting' a dog in a very casual, cute way, you might use the slang term faire des papouilles, which implies much more playful and rhythmic touch.
Examples in context
- J'aime faire des caresses à mon chien.I enjoy petting my dog.
- Elle caresse délicatement le chaton.She gently pets the kitten.
- Nous faisons des papouilles à notre lapin.We pet our rabbit.
- Je câline mon chien tous les soirs.I pet/cuddle my dog every evening.
- Ces caresses calment l'animal stressé.These petting strokes calm the stressed animal.
Example conversation
Gabriel and Léa are looking at a friendly dog in the park.
- GabrielRegarde ce chien, il veut des caresses !Look at this dog, he wants some petting!
- LéaIl a l'air très gentil, Gabriel.He looks very friendly, Gabriel.
- GabrielIl adore les caresses derrière les oreilles.He loves petting behind the ears.
- LéaJe vais essayer alors.I will try then.
