dessin animé
/de.sɛ̃ a.ni.me/
The English word 'cartoon' can be translated into French as dessin animé.
dessin animé is used to refer to an animated cartoon, such as those found on television.
Meaning: humorous drawing or strip (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase dessin animé literally translates to 'animated drawing'.
Which one should you use?
While dessin animé refers to an animated cartoon (like a TV show), it is not used to refer to a single-panel comic or a comic strip. To refer to a comic strip or a comic book, use bande dessinée instead.
How does it change in a sentence?
To form the plural, use dessins animés.
How do you pronounce it?
/de.sɛ̃ a.ni.me/
Did you know?
- The word animé in dessin animé was borrowed from the Japanese word anime, which was itself a shortening of the English word 'animation'.
- French culture places a massive emphasis on the bande dessinée as a legitimate art form, often referred to as the 'Ninth Art'. This elevates the status of comic strips far beyond mere 'cartoons'.
- The word dessin can also mean 'plan' or 'intent' in certain archaic or formal contexts, mirroring the English use of 'design' to mean a scheme.
Examples in context
- Quel est ton dessin animé préféré ?What's your favorite cartoon?This sentence is useful for asking about someone's favorite dessin animé.Tatoeba #1643850 by sacredceltic, translation #906710 by CK
- Nos filles aiment regarder ce dessin animé.Our daughters like to watch this cartoon.This sentence is useful for stating that someone likes to watch a specific dessin animé.Tatoeba #13874076 by Ioan_Cristian, translation #13874079 by Ioan_Cristian
Example conversation
Lucas and Emma are talking about their childhood.
- LucasTu te souviens de ce dessin animé ?Do you remember this cartoon?
- EmmaOui, j'adorais le regarder.Yes, I loved watching it.
- LucasC'était vraiment drôle.It was really funny.
- EmmaC'est vrai, Emma s'en souvient aussi.That's true, Emma remembers it too.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry dessin animé, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries animé, dessin, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
