buffle
/byfl/masculine
The English word 'buffalo' is translated into French as buffle.
The word buffle refers to a bovid of the Bubalina subtribe.
Meaning: bovid of the Bubalina subtribe (noun)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
To form the plural, add an -s to the end to get buffles. To express the action of hunting buffalo, use the phrase chasser le buffle.
How do you pronounce it?
/byfl/
What mistakes should you avoid?
When referring to the city in New York State, do not use the French word buffle. The name should remain Buffalo.
Did you know?
- The phrase têtu comme un buffle is used to describe someone who is incredibly stubborn.
- French distinguishes between the animal buffle and the product mozzarella di bufala, which retains its Italian name.
- In French, buffle typically refers to the water buffalo of Asia and Africa, rather than the American bison.
Examples in context
- Est-ce une vache ou un buffle ?Is that a cow or a buffalo?This sentence is useful for distinguishing between a cow and a buffle.Tatoeba #10684247 by Adelpa, translation #67077 by CK
- Le buffle se trouve principalement en Afrique et en Asie du Sud.The buffalo is mainly found in Africa and South Asia.
- Le bison a été un symbole de la vie sauvage de l'ouest américain.The bison has been a symbol of wilderness in the American West.
- Le buffle est dans le champ.The buffalo is in the field.
- J'ai vu un buffle sauvage.I saw a wild buffalo.
Example conversation
Nathan and Manon are looking at a nature documentary on television.
- NathanRegarde ce grand buffle noir.Look at that big black buffalo.
- ManonIl est vraiment impressionnant.He is truly impressive.
- NathanEst-ce qu'il est dangereux ?Is he dangerous?
- ManonOui, il faut rester loin de lui.Yes, you must stay far away from him.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “buffalo” translations and entries buffle, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
