ballerine
/bal.ʁin/feminine
The English word 'ballerina' is translated into French as ballerine.
The term ballerine is used to refer to a female ballet dancer.
Meaning: female ballet dancer (noun)
Which one should you use?
While ballerine refers to a female ballet dancer, the masculine form for a male ballet dancer is danseur. Additionally, if a ballerina has reached the highest level of achievement, the formal term used is une danseuse étoile.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word ballerine is a feminine noun. Its plural form is ballerines.
How do you pronounce it?
/bal.ʁin/
Did you know?
- While ballerine refers to the dancer, the word ballerine in French is also a common term for a type of flat, slip-on shoe worn by women.
- French ballet terminology is so influential that many terms used by ballerines worldwide, such as plié and tendu, remain in French regardless of the local language.
- The Paris Opera Ballet, one of the world's oldest companies, uses the étoile rank to designate its absolute elite performers.
Examples in context
- Elle a rêvé de devenir ballerine.She dreamed of becoming a ballerina.This sentence is useful for expressing a dream of becoming a ballerine.Tatoeba #2306133 by sacredceltic, translation #2304104 by Hybrid
- Je prends des leçons de ballet depuis l'âge de trois ans et j'espère devenir une ballerine.I have been taking ballet lessons since I was three and hope to be a ballerina.This sentence is useful for describing someone's history with ballet lessons and their hope to become a ballerine.Tatoeba #6449 by Apex, translation #257862 by CK
- Marie est une danseuse étoile incroyable.Marie is an incredible ballerina.
- Les danseuses professionnelles étaient extraordinaires lors de la représentation.The professional ballerinas were extraordinary during the performance.
- Ma sœur est une talentueuse ballerine.My sister is a talented ballerina.
- Cette ballerine danse avec beaucoup de grâce.This ballerina dances with great grace.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a ballet performance at the theater.
- LucasEmma, est-ce que tu as vu la ballerine ?Emma, did you see the ballerina?
- EmmaOui, elle était vraiment incroyable sur scène.Yes, she was truly incredible on stage.
- LucasElle semble être une ballerine très talentueuse.She seems to be a very talented ballerina.
- EmmaC'est vrai, son talent est impressionnant.It's true, her talent is impressive.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “ballerina” translations and entries ballerine, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
