馃嚝馃嚪 French phrases

How to Say "Dog" in French

The SPAIKING TeamJuly 27, 2026
chien
"Dog" in French 路 say it like shy-an

The most natural way to say "Dog" in French is chien. Tap the speaker above to hear it, then say it back out loud. That is the fastest way to make it stick.

Other ways to say it

toutou
a casual and affectionate term for a dog
canin
a more formal term, often used in veterinary contexts

When to use it

Use 'chien' when referring to a dog in general. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts. You can use 'toutou' when speaking affectionately to a pet. 'Canin' is used in more technical discussions about dogs.

Say it out loud, get corrected

Reading it is not the same as saying it. Practice "Dog" and thousands more with an AI coach that listens.

Examples in French

FrenchEnglish
Mon chien adore jouer au parc.My dog loves to play in the park.
Elle a un petit toutou qui s'appelle Max.She has a little dog named Max.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse 'chien' with 'chienne', which means female dog.

The fastest way to remember it

Vocabulary you only read fades fast. Vocabulary you say out loud sticks. Hear chien, repeat it a few times, then use it in a real sentence. SPAIKING lets you practice exactly that, speaking French with a coach that corrects your pronunciation in real time. You can start with two free conversations.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between 'chien' and 'chienne'?

'Chien' refers to a male dog, while 'chienne' refers to a female dog.

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