extraterrestres
The English word "aliens" is translated into French as extraterrestres.
The term extraterrestres refers specifically to beings that come from a planet other than Earth.
What does it mean word for word?
The word extraterrestres is a direct cognate of the English word "extraterrestrial".
Which one should you use?
In English, the word "aliens" can refer to foreigners or people from another country, but the French word extraterrestres is used strictly for beings from outer space.
How does it change in a sentence?
To refer to a single alien, even if the gender of the being is unknown, use the masculine singular article and noun un extraterrestre.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use the word étrangers to mean aliens from space. While it may seem similar to the English concept of "aliens," étrangers only refers to foreigners or strangers from another country.
Did you know?
- In French pop culture, the term petit gris is often used to describe the classic 'Grey' alien. This nickname refers to their small, grey-skinned appearance.
- While extraterrestre is the standard term, French speakers frequently use the English word alien when discussing cinema or science fiction genres.
- In French media, news reports about UFOs often use the term OVNI instead of talking about 'aliens'. OVNI stands for 'objet volant non identifié', which is the equivalent of the English 'UFO'.
Examples in context
- Crois-tu aux extraterrestres ?Do you believe in aliens?This sentence is useful for asking if someone believes in the existence of extraterrestres.Tatoeba #3327172 by sacredceltic, translation #3672961 by Hybrid
- Un groupe d'extraterrestres a survécu.A group of aliens survived.This sentence is useful for describing a group of extraterrestres that survived.Tatoeba #12183331 by always, translation #11757546 by Amastan
- Les extraterrestres atterriront sur Terre.Aliens will land on Earth.This sentence is useful for stating that extraterrestres will land on Earth.Tatoeba #7458889 by Micsmithel, translation #7446648 by Ergulis
- Les scientifiques étudient activement les extraterrestres depuis des décennies.Scientists have been actively studying aliens for decades.
- 26 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nathan and Léa are watching a science fiction movie together.
- NathanEst-ce que ces extraterrestres ont l'air méchants ?Do those aliens look mean?
- LéaNon, ils ont l'air plutôt amicaux.No, they look rather friendly.
- NathanC'est l'histoire d'une rencontre avec des extraterrestres.It is a story about a meeting with aliens.
- LéaC'est un film très célèbre.It is a very famous movie.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
