alligator
/a.li.ɡa.tɔʁ/masculine
The English word 'alligator' is translated into French as alligator. Wiktionary also lists caïman.
Meaning: large amphibious reptile of genus ''Alligator'' (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| alligator | /a.li.ɡa.tɔʁ/ | masculine |
| caïman | /ka.i.mɑ̃/ | Louisiana, masculine |
The term refers to the large amphibious reptile of the genus Alligator.
Which one should you use?
caïman is used specifically in certain contexts.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the context of Louisiana, the word caïman is used to refer to an alligator.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word alligator is a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /a.li.ɡa.tɔʁ/. It consists of 4 syllables.
Did you know?
- In French culinary contexts, the meat of these reptiles is sometimes referred to as viande de caïman, regardless of whether it is technically an alligator or a caiman.
- The term caïman reflects a linguistic journey from the Spanish word caimán, highlighting how wildlife names often travel through colonial history.
- In French, the distinction between crocodile and alligator is often treated as a scientific detail rather than a common linguistic necessity in everyday conversation.
Examples in context
- L'alligator mangea le chien.The alligator ate the dog.This sentence shows how to use alligator with a verb in the past tense.Tatoeba #5382042 by pititnatole, translation #2784695 by CK
- Un crocodile n’est pas un alligator.A crocodile isn't an alligator.This sentence is useful for clarifying the distinction between a crocodile and an alligator.Tatoeba #10457277 by pkill, translation #10457450 by shekitten
- Un alligator est un animal très dangereux.An alligator is a very dangerous animal.This sentence describes the nature of an alligator.Tatoeba #11253695 by lbdx, translation #6031309 by Huskion
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
At the zoo, looking at the reptile exhibit.
- ChloéRegarde cet alligator, il est immense !Look at this alligator, it is huge!
- NathanOui, l'alligator a l'air très impressionnant.Yes, the alligator looks very impressive.
- ChloéEst-ce qu'il est plus gros qu'un caïman ?Is it bigger than a caiman?
- NathanOui, je pense que cet alligator est plus grand.Yes, I think this alligator is larger.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “alligator” translations and entries alligator, caïman, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries alligator, caïman, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
