chiot
/ʃjo/masculine
The English word 'puppy' is translated into French as chiot.
The term is used to refer to a young dog.
Meaning: young dog (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, Canada, the informal term pitou is often used to refer to a puppy or a small dog.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the plural 'puppies', use the form chiots.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʃjo/
Did you know?
- The word chiot actually shares a common ancestor with the English word 'cub', as both stem from the Latin 'catellus'.
- If you are talking about a puppy in a very affectionate, almost poetic way, you might hear the word toutou used, though this is more like saying 'doggy' in English.
- In French, the word chiot is grammatically masculine, so even if the puppy is female, you must use the masculine article le when referring to it as a species or general category.
Examples in context
- Je veux un chiot.I want a puppy.This sentence is useful for expressing a desire for a chiot.Tatoeba #1183902 by sacredceltic, translation #1183894 by Scott
- Tom a eu un chiot.Tom got a puppy.This sentence is useful for describing the acquisition of a chiot.Tatoeba #13355698 by genes1s, translation #2648951 by CK
- Ce chiot aboie très fort.That puppy barks very loudly.This sentence is useful for describing the barking behavior of a chiot.Tatoeba #7017094 by Micsmithel, translation #2510194 by AlanF_US
- Regarde ce mignon toutou ! Il est trop adorable !Look at that cute puppy! It's so adorable!
- 36 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hugo and Manon are visiting a pet store.
- HugoRegarde ce petit chiot !Look at this little puppy!
- ManonIl est vraiment adorable.He is really adorable.
- HugoEst-ce que je peux le porter ?Can I hold him?
- ManonOui, le chiot est très calme.Yes, the puppy is very calm.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “puppy” translations and entries chiot, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries chiot, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
