fourmis
/fuʁ.mi/
The English phrase "ants" is translated into French as fourmis.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word for ant is a feminine noun. The singular form is une fourmi.
How do you pronounce it?
The word fourmis is pronounced /fuʁ.mi/ and consists of two syllables.
Did you know?
- The French phrase avoir des fourmis dans les jambes literally means 'to have ants in one's legs' but it is used to describe the tingling sensation of a limb falling asleep.
- The phrase fourmilière refers to an ant hill but is also used metaphorically to describe a place bustling with chaotic activity and many people.
- In the famous fable 'The Ant and the Grasshopper' by Jean de La Fontaine, the fourmi represents prudence and foresight while the grasshopper represents improvidence.
Examples in context
- Les fourmis ont six pattes.Ants have six legs.This sentence is useful for describing the physical characteristics of fourmis.Tatoeba #11153364 by lbdx, translation #9950171 by ddnktr
- Le sucre attire les fourmis.Sugar draws ants.This sentence is useful for describing what attracts fourmis.Tatoeba #2025653 by sacredceltic, translation #2025452 by halfb1t
- Les gens ont l'air de fourmis.People look like ants.This sentence uses a comparison involving fourmis.Tatoeba #1148113 by sacredceltic, translation #1148052 by cntrational
- J'ai vu des fourmis dans la cuisine.I saw some ants in the kitchen.
- Les fourmis sont de petits insectes travailleurs.Ants are hardworking little insects.
- 28 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two people are looking at a picnic blanket in a park.
- ManonRegarde, il y a des fourmis sur le pain.Look, there are ants on the bread.
- GabrielOh non, les fourmis arrivent vite !Oh no, the ants are coming fast!
- ManonGabriel, range vite ton assiette.Gabriel, quickly put your plate away.
- GabrielTu as raison, je la ramasse.You are right, I am picking it up.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry fourmis, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
