amadouer

coax, win over, soften up

verb ah-mah-doo-EH Rare

Origin: From 'amadou', tinder fungus used to kindle fire — the idea of gently kindling someone's goodwill.

Usage Note

Amadouer means to soothe or cajole someone into a cooperative mood, often through flattery or gentle persuasion. It has a slightly playful or mildly manipulative connotation: amadouer le patron suggests charming the boss rather than arguing with him. The verb is always transitive.

Examples

"Elle a réussi à l'amadouer."

Natural Translation

She managed to win him over.

Literal Translation

She succeeded in softening him up.

Free starter pack

Building your French vocabulary?

Get the 100 most common French words as a free PDF — one email, no spam.

Related Words

Explore French by topic

FrenchNow

Je t'aime vs Je t'adore: I Love You in French

Je t'aime is the real romantic I love you; je t'adore means warm fondness, not romance. Here's the person-vs-thing rule and the bien trap that flips it.

June 4, 2026 6 min read

FrenchNow

The Bonjour Rule: French Etiquette for Visitors

Always say bonjour before you ask, order, or pay in France — the unspoken rule that opens every door. A respectful visitor's guide to French etiquette.

June 4, 2026 6 min read

FrenchNow

French Greetings: Bonjour, Salut, Coucou Explained

Bonjour, salut, or coucou? Pick the right French greeting every time with a simple two-axis guide to formality and time of day, plus how to say goodbye.

June 4, 2026 5 min read

FrenchNow

Aller + Infinitive: The Easy French Future

Form the French near future in seconds: conjugate aller in the present and add an infinitive. Learn futur proche rules, negation, pronouns, and when to use it.

June 4, 2026 6 min read