petit cochon
The English phrase "piggy" is translated into French as petit cochon.
This phrase is used as an affectionate or childish name for a young pig.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the adjective petit (little) and the noun cochon (pig).
Did you know?
- In French, calling someone a cochon can be a playful way to call them 'naughty' or 'lewd' rather than just dirty.
- The word cochon is thought to be onomatopoeic, meaning it was originally created to imitate the actual grunting sounds a pig makes.
- Unlike the English 'piggy' which is often used for children, using petit cochon for an adult in France could be perceived as patronizing or highly flirtatious depending on the context.
Examples in context
- Ce petit cochon est allé au marché. / Ce petit cochon est resté chez lui. / Ce petit cochon a eu du bœuf rôti. / Ce petit cochon n'en a pas eu. / Et ce petit cochon a pissé tout le long du chemin jusqu'à chez lui.This little piggy went to market. / This little piggy stayed home. / This little piggy had roast beef. / This little piggy had none. / And this little piggy went wee-wee-wee-wee all the way home.This sentence is useful for translating the nursery rhyme sequence involving petit cochon.Tatoeba #2081934 by sacredceltic, translation #2079754 by halfb1t
- Regarde ce cochonnet tout mignon dans la ferme!Look at this cute little piggy in the farm!
- Regarde cet adorable porcinet qui gambade dans le pré!Look at this adorable little piggy frolicking in the meadow!
- Regarde ce petit cochon rose.Look at this little pink piggy.
- Le petit cochon dort dans la paille.The little piggy is sleeping in the straw.
Example conversation
Emma and Nathan are looking at animals on a farm.
- EmmaNathan, regarde ce petit cochon dans la boue !Nathan, look at this little piggy in the mud!
- NathanOh, il est vraiment mignon.Oh, he is really cute.
- EmmaEst-ce qu'on peut lui donner à manger ?Can we give him something to eat?
- NathanAttends, Emma, il faut d'abord demander.Wait, Emma, we must ask first.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cochon, petit, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
