French Conversation · Level 137
30 words
French word
minou
Pronunciation
IPA/minu/
Meaning
- masculine nounkitty
Example
Mon minou est monté sur mes genoux.
My kitty climbed onto my lap.
More examples
Je caresse le minou pendant qu'il dort.
I pet the kitty while he sleeps.
Core concept
A soft pet name centered on a cat curled close, with the same tender address sometimes used for a beloved person.
Common phrases
caresser le minou
pet the kitty
mon minou
my kitty
un minou mignon
a cute kitty
Similar words
chat: The common name for a cat.
chaton: A name for a young cat.
Definition in French
Désigne un chat, d'usage courant au registre familier ou enfantin, et parfois employé comme surnom affectueux pour une personne.
Word origin
Minou is an affectionate diminutive formed from minet with the familiar suffix -ou; minet is an established pet form for a cat.
Usage tips
- Minou is masculine, so standard phrasing uses un minou and mon minou, even when the cat is female.