Is the word "dog" masculine or feminine in French? - briefly
In French, the word for dog is "chien," which is masculine. Thus, when referring to a dog, one would use masculine articles and adjectives.
Is the word "dog" masculine or feminine in French? - in detail
The word for "dog" in French is "chien," and it is a masculine noun. This classification is determined by its ending, as most words ending in "-ien" or "-ein" are typically masculine in French grammar.
To provide further context, French nouns are traditionally assigned a gender (masculine or feminine) based on their endings and usage within the language. For example, nouns ending in "-ette," "-tion," or "-sion" are generally feminine, while those ending in "-eur," "-age," or "-ment" are often masculine.
In the case of "chien," its classification as a masculine noun is consistent with these patterns. The word does not change form when used to refer to a male or female dog; it remains "un chien" regardless of the animal's sex. This grammatical consistency helps maintain clarity and coherence within the French language, ensuring that speakers and learners can accurately convey their intended meanings.