aurore boréale
/o.ʁɔʁ bɔ.ʁe.al/
The English phrase aurora borealis is translated into French as aurore boréale.
What does it mean word for word?
The term is composed of aurore (dawn) and boréale (northern/of the north).
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase is feminine and takes the plural form les aurores boréales when referring to multiple occurrences or a general phenomenon.
How do you pronounce it?
/o.ʁɔʁ bɔ.ʁe.al/
Did you know?
- The word aurore comes from the Latin 'aurōra', which refers to the Roman goddess of dawn who flew across the sky to announce the arrival of the sun.
- Unlike in English, where 'aurora' is primarily a scientific or rare term, aurore is a common traditional female given name in France.
- In French, aurore is often used as a poetic way to describe any early morning light, but the word aube is used for the actual moment of dawn. This makes aurore boréale a particularly lyrical term for the lights.
Examples in context
- Un de mes rêves est de voir un jour l'aurore boréale.One of my dreams is to one day see the aurora borealis.Tatoeba #545736 by sacredceltic, translation #516189 by darinmex
- J'ai eu la chance d'admirer une magnifique aurore boréale en Islande.I had the chance to admire a magnificent Aurora Borealis in Iceland.
- Nous avons voyagé jusqu'en Laponie pour contempler les lumières du Nord.We traveled to Lapland to contemplate the Lights of the North.
- Regardez, les aurores polaires sont incroyablement belles ce soir !Look, the Polar Auroras are incredibly beautiful tonight!
- L'aurore boréale brille dans le ciel.The aurora borealis is shining in the sky.
- Nous espérons apercevoir une aurore boréale ce soir.We hope to spot an aurora borealis tonight.
Example conversation
Gabriel and Léa are looking at a photography book about nature.
- GabrielRegarde cette photo de l'aurore boréale.Look at this photo of the aurora borealis.
- LéaElle est vraiment magnifique, Gabriel.It is truly magnificent, Gabriel.
- GabrielJe veux partir en voyage pour en voir une.I want to go on a trip to see one.
- LéaMoi aussi, j'aimerais beaucoup voyager là-bas.Me too, I would really love to travel there.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry aurore boréale, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries aurore, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
