animal
/a.ni.mal/masculine
The English word 'animal' is translated into French as animal. Wiktionary also lists bête.
Meaning: organism other than human (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| animal | /a.ni.mal/ | masculine |
| bête | /bɛt/ /bɛːt/ |
feminine |
This term refers to any organism other than a human. It can also be used as an adjective meaning 'of animals'.
Which one should you use?
While animal is the standard term, the feminine form bête is often used in more colloquial or descriptive contexts, often referring to a living creature or beast.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine noun animal has the irregular plural form animaux.
How do you pronounce it?
/a.ni.mal/
When do people say it?
To specifically refer to a pet, you can use the term animal domestique. Common animals include the Chat (cat), Chien (dog), Oiseau (bird), Chèvre (goat), Dauphin (dolphin), Lion (lion), Éléphant (elephant), Serpent (snake), Requin (shark) and Singe (monkey).
Did you know?
- The phrase bête noire describes a person or thing that one particularly dislikes or dreads.
- In colloquial French, une bête de scène describes a performer with an overwhelming and powerful stage presence.
- The French word bête can be used as an adjective to call someone 'stupid' or 'dumb'.
Examples in context
- Est-ce un animal ?Is that an animal?This is useful for asking if something is an animal.Tatoeba #11941528 by Amastan, translation #8392740 by Amastan
- C'est un bel animal.It's a beautiful animal.This is useful for describing a beautiful animal.Tatoeba #8681821 by Julien_PDC, translation #13443158 by rul
- Cet animal est à moi.This animal is mine.This is useful for stating ownership of an animal.Tatoeba #4470855 by Petrus, translation #4468850 by jakob
- Il y avait un animal sauvage dans la forêt.There was a wild animal in the forest.
- Les créatures marines sont fascinantes.Marine creatures are fascinating.
- Il y a une bête énorme dans le jardin!There's a huge animal in the garden!
- J'ai trouvé une bestiole dans ma chambre.I found a critter in my room.
- J'adore les animaux domestiques, surtout les chiens.I love pets, especially dogs.
- 169 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Chloé and Hugo are watching a nature documentary on TV.
- ChloéRegarde cet animal sauvage.Look at that wild animal.
- HugoIl est impressionnant, cet animal.It is impressive, that animal.
- ChloéEst-ce qu'il est dangereux ?Is it dangerous?
- HugoOui, c'est un animal très fort.Yes, it is a very strong animal.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “animal” translations and entries animal, bête, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
