frissonner
/fʁi.sɔ.ne/
To shiver is frissonner in French.
The verb frissonner is used to describe a physical shivering or trembling. While it can describe the bodily response to being cold, it is also frequently used to describe a shiver of pleasure, excitement or fear.
Meaning: to tremble or shake (verb)
Which one should you use?
While frissonner can refer to a physical shiver from cold, it is also used to express being thrilled or experiencing a shiver of emotion.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
frissonner is a regular -er verb.
How do you pronounce it?
/fʁi.sɔ.ne/
Did you know?
- While frissonner is common, if you are shivering specifically because of the cold, a French speaker might instead use the verb grelotter. This implies a more intense, rhythmic trembling, much like the sound of a small bell.
- The noun form of the verb, frisson, is frequently used in English to describe a sudden wave of emotion. This shares a common linguistic ancestor in the idea of a sudden, quick movement or a twitch.
- The word frissonner can also be applied to the subtle, rapid movement of a leaf or a piece of fabric in a light breeze. It expands the verb from a human biological response to a poetic description of nature.
Examples in context
- Il m'a fait frissonner.He made me shiver.This sentence shows how to use frissonner to describe someone making you shiver.Tatoeba #4475950 by Scorpionvenin14, translation #4475127 by PentheusPuddleglum
- Je frissonne de froidI shiver from the cold
- Il tremble de froidHe shivers from the cold
- J'ai des frissonsI have shivers / I am shivering
- Frissonner intensémentShiver intensely
- Trembler de froidShiver from the cold
- Avoir de violents frissonsHave violent shivers
- Frissonner de peurShiver with fear
- Trembler de plaisirShiver with pleasure
- Avoir des frissons de dégoûtHave shivers of disgust
- Frissonner de joieShiver with joy
- Trembler d'excitationTremble with excitement
- Frissonner de nostalgieShiver with nostalgia
- Trembler comme une feuilleShiver like a leaf
- Frissonner de tous ses membresShiver in every limb
- Je commence à frissonner de froid.I am starting to shiver from the cold.
- Le vent la fait frissonner.The wind makes her shiver.
Example conversation
Hugo and Chloé are walking outside on a cold evening.
- HugoTu as l'air d'avoir froid, Chloé.You look cold, Chloé.
- ChloéOui, je commence à frissonner.Yes, I am starting to shiver.
- HugoOn devrait rentrer vite.We should head back quickly.
- ChloéBonne idée, merci Hugo.Good idea, thanks Hugo.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “shiver” translations and entries frissonner, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries frissonner, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
