French Conversation · Level 158
30 words
French word
ronronner
Pronunciation
IPA/ʁɔ̃ʁone/
Meaning
- verbpurr
Example
Le chat ronronne sur mes genoux.
The cat is purring on my lap.
More examples
Le chat se met à ronronner dès que je l'approche.
The cat starts purring as soon as I approach it.
Core concept
A contented cat produces a gentle, regular hum through vibrating muscles in its throat.
Common phrases
se mettre à ronronner
start purring
ronronner sous la caresse
purr when petted
Similar words
miauler: Give a brief, relatively high-pitched cry.
ronfler: Produce a deep, loud noise during sleep as air moves through.
bourdonner: Give off a constant low hum or buzzing vibration.
grogner: Produce a low, rough growl or vocal sound.
Definition in French
Désigner l'action de faire vibrer la gorge pour produire un bourdonnement doux et répétitif, typiquement celui d'un chat.
Word origin
French forms ronronner from ronron, a reduplicated sound word that echoes the recurring rhythm of a cat's purr.
Usage tips
- French also uses ronronner figuratively for smooth, quiet operation, as in Le moteur ronronne for an engine running with a steady hum.
Other meanings
- humverb
Opposites
- feulerhissverb
Related words
- ronronnementpurrnoun