In French, diminutives show small size, affection, or sometimes irony. They are formed mostly with endings like -et, -ette, -illon, and -eau, and they slightly change the meaning of the noun.
Common Endings
Diminutives are created by adding an ending to the noun's stem, and the ending you choose can depend on gender and sound. Here are some of the most frequent endings for small or cute things.
-et / -ette
The endings -et and -ette are very common for forming diminutives, with -et usually for masculine nouns and -ette for feminine ones. They make the noun sound smaller or more charming.
| Base Noun | Diminutive | Base Noun | Diminutive | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| un filet | un filet | une poule | une poulette | |
| un livr | un livret | une maison | une maisonnette |
We found a small filet (type of fish).
-illon / -illonne
Endings like -illon (masculine) and -illonne (feminine) add a playful or very small sense to the noun and are used with certain types of words. They often give a cute or quaint feel.
| Base Noun | Diminutive | Base Noun | Diminutive | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| un pap | un papillon | une gro | une groillonne | |
| un gla | un glaçon | une chev | une chevillonne |
-eau / -elle
The ending -eau is a masculine diminutive that makes the noun sound small and sometimes charming, while -elle is its feminine counterpart used for similar effects. They work well for nouns that fit the sound pattern.
| Base Noun | Diminutive | Base Noun | Diminutive | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| un poul | un pouleau | une rass | une rasselle | |
| un che | un cheveau | une vend | une vendelle |
Usage
Diminutives are used not only to indicate small size but also to express affection, familiarity, or even gentle mockery depending on context. They appear in everyday speech, literature, and when talking about pets, children, or treasured things.
Summary
To form diminutives in French, add endings like -et, -ette, -illon, and -eau to the noun stem according to gender and sound. Use diminutives to signal smallness, affection, or style, and pay attention to which endings fit each type of noun.
Last updated: Fri Oct 24, 2025