French word

câlin

Pronunciation

IPA/kalɛ̃/

Meaning

  • masculine nounhug

Example

Donne-moi un câlin.

Give me a hug.

Illustration for câlin (hug)

More examples

Ils se sont donné un câlin après la dispute.

They gave each other a hug after the argument.

Core concept

Two close people briefly folding their arms around each other with tenderness.

Common phrases

  • se donner un câlin

    to give each other a hug

  • donner un câlin

    to give a hug

  • un petit câlin

    a little hug

Similar words

bisou: A soft kiss involving a light touch of the lips.
étreinte: A close, strong embrace that draws the bodies together.

Definition in French

Étreinte courte et douce qui exprime de la tendresse entre personnes proches.

Word origin

The noun câlin is derived from the French verb câliner and names the tender action expressed by that verb.

Usage tips

  • Câlin is masculine, so the usual form is un câlin, even though its ending may look feminine to English speakers.

Opposites

Related words

  • câlinerhugverb
  • câlineriecuddlingnoun

Word lists with this word