Skip to content

couiner

squeal, whine, squeak

verb kwee-NAY Rare

Usage Note

Couiner describes a high-pitched, repeated squealing sound — a frightened pig, a rusty hinge, or a child whining. It is informal and slightly onomatopoeic. The related noun couinement means a squeal or whimper.

Examples

"Le cochon couine quand il a peur."

Natural Translation

The pig squeals when it is frightened.

Literal Translation

The pig squeals when it has fear.

Explore French by topic