bois
/bwa/
The English phrase 'antlers' is translated into French as bois.
The term bois refers to antlers. To be more specific and refer to 'deer antlers', the phrase bois de cerf is often used.
Which one should you use?
The word bois can mean both 'antlers' and 'wood' or 'timber' depending on the context in which it is used.
How does it change in a sentence?
bois is a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/bwa/
Did you know?
- The word bois is also the first-person singular conjugation of the verb 'to drink' (je bois), meaning the word for 'antlers' can also mean 'I drink'.
- While bois is the general term for antlers, the word cornes is used for the permanent horns of goats or cows. Using cornes to describe a deer's antlers is a common mistake for English speakers.
- The word bois is used for antlers because of their resemblance to the branches of a tree. This creates a linguistic link between the anatomy of a deer and the material of 'wood'.
Examples in context
- Le cerf a de magnifiques bois.The stag has magnificent antlers.
- Les bois de la biche sont plus petits.The hind's antlers are smaller.
- Le cerf arbore un majestueux panache.The stag sports a majestic set of antlers.
- Regarde ses bois, ils sont impressionnants !Look at its antlers, they're impressive!
- Je ne m'approcherais pas trop près de ses bois.I wouldn't get too close to its antlers.
- Il a de grandes cornes sur la tête.He has large antlers on his head.
- Vois-tu sa ramure ? Elle est spectaculaire !Do you see its antlers? They're spectacular!
- Le cerf a de grands bois.The deer has large antlers.
- Les bois de ce cerf sont magnifiques.The antlers of this deer are magnificent.
- Il a trouvé des bois de cerf dans la forêt.He found antlers in the forest.
Example conversation
Léa and Nathan are looking at a photo in a nature magazine.
- LéaRegarde ce cerf, ses bois sont impressionnants !Look at this deer, his antlers are impressive!
- NathanOui, il est vraiment très grand.Yes, he is truly very large.
- LéaEst-ce que tu penses qu'il les perdra bientôt ?Do you think he will lose them soon?
- NathanProbablement, une fois que l'hiver sera fini.Probably, once winter is over.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry bois, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
