papillons
The English phrase butterflies is translated into French as papillons.
papillons is the standard word used to refer to butterflies.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun papillon is masculine. To refer to a single butterfly, you can use the singular indefinite article to say un papillon or the singular definite article to say le papillon.
Did you know?
- The French word for a moth is papillon de nuit, which literally translates to 'night butterfly'.
- While English speakers have 'butterflies in their stomach' to describe nervousness, French speakers use the phrase avoir des papillons dans le ventre specifically to describe the fluttery feeling of being in love.
- In French, the word papillon is also used as a verb, papillonner, which means to flit from one thing to another or to date several people without commitment.
Examples in context
- Les papillons sont beaux.Butterflies are beautiful.This sentence is useful for describing the appearance of papillons.Tatoeba #7482659 by Micsmithel, translation #3045260 by Hybrid
- Il a attrapé vingt papillons.He caught twenty butterflies.This sentence is useful for counting papillons.Tatoeba #133447 by Julien_PDC, translation #304291 by _undertoad
- Tom aime parler des papillons.Tom likes talking about butterflies.This sentence is useful for expressing an interest in talking about papillons.Tatoeba #7703589 by felix63, translation #6849383 by CK
- Les papillons sont de magnifiques créatures volantes.Butterflies are beautiful flying creatures.
- J'ai observé de magnifiques papillons dans le jardin ce matin.I observed beautiful butterflies in the garden this morning.
- 29 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Manon and Gabriel are walking through a park in spring.
- ManonOh, regarde ces petits papillons, Gabriel !Oh, look at these little butterflies, Gabriel!
- GabrielOui, ils sont vraiment très jolis.Yes, they are really very pretty.
- ManonEst-ce que tu vois ces papillons bleus ?Do you see those blue butterflies?
- GabrielOui, elle est magnifique, cette couleur.Yes, that color is magnificent.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
