French Conversation · Level 145
30 words
French word
minet
Pronunciation
IPA/minɛ/
Meaning
- masculine nounkitten
Example
Le minet dort près de la fenêtre.
The kitten sleeps near the window.
More examples
Un minet joue avec un jouet en laine.
A kitten plays with a woolen toy.
Core concept
A small, soft, lively cat whose appealing youth also suits an affectionate nickname for a young person.
Common phrases
un jouet pour le minet
a toy for the kitten
adopter un minet
adopt a kitten
protéger le minet
protect the kitten
Similar words
chaton: A standard name for a young cat that is still small.
chat: The common noun for a mature, grown cat.
minou: A pet name used affectionately to address a cat.
Definition in French
Désigne un chaton ; au figuré familier, surnom pour une personne jeune et mignonne (souvent un homme).
Word origin
Minet is formed from mine, an old affectionate name for a cat, with the French diminutive suffix -et, which also supports its nickname use.
Usage tips
- Minet is familiar and somewhat playful, while chaton is the usual neutral word for a kitten in standard everyday contexts.