bison
/bi.zɔ̃/masculine
The English word 'bison' is translated into French as bison. Wiktionary also lists bison d'Amérique du Nord.
Meaning: American bison, Bison bison (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| bison | /bi.zɔ̃/ | masculine |
| bison d'Amérique du Nord | masculine |
The word refers to the American bison (Bison bison).
Which one should you use?
bison d'Amérique du Nord specifically translates to 'North American bison'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun is masculine.
How do you pronounce it?
/bi.zɔ̃/ (2 syllables)
Did you know?
- The French word bison is a direct loan from Latin, appearing in the language as early as 1307.
- In French, the term bison can refer to both the American bison and the European bison, known as bison d'Europe.
- French uses the masculine gender for bison, regardless of whether the animal is a bull or a cow.
Examples in context
- Les bisons se déplacent en grands troupeaux dans les prairies américaines.The bisons move in large herds across the American prairies.
- Le bison est un animal imposant.The bison is an imposing animal.
- J'ai vu un bison dans la prairie.I saw a bison in the prairie.
- Ce bison semble très calme.This bison seems very calm.
Example conversation
Two people are looking at a nature documentary on television.
- ManonRegarde ce gros bison, Nathan !Look at that big bison, Nathan!
- NathanOui, il est magnifique.Yes, he is magnificent.
- ManonEst-ce que le bison est dangereux ?Is the bison dangerous?
- NathanIl peut l'être si on l'approche.He can be if you approach him.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bison” translations and entries bison, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Nord, bison, du, nord, CC BY-SA 4.0.
