centaure
/sɑ̃.tɔʁ/masculine
The English word 'centaur' is translated into French as centaure.
centaure is a masculine noun referring to the mythical creature that is half-man and half-horse.
Meaning: mythical half-man, half-horse (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of centaure is centaures.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables and is pronounced /sɑ̃.tɔʁ/.
Did you know?
- In French botany, centaure is also the name for the knapweed flower, specifically the centaurée. This name comes from the myth that the centaur Chiron discovered the plant's healing properties.
- While in English 'centaur' is almost exclusively a mythological creature, in French literature, 'un centaure' can sometimes be used metaphorically to describe a person with dual, often conflicting, natures.
- In French art history, the centaure is often depicted in 'centauromachies', which are specific artistic compositions showing battles between centaurs and humans.
Examples in context
- Il a également été instruit en musique par Linus le centaure (les centaures étaient des chevaux à tête d'homme), mais il s'est consacré avec moins d'intérêt à cet art.He was also instructed in music by Linus the centaur (centaurs were horses with a man's head). However, he devoted himself with less interest to this art.This sentence provides context about a mythological figure being instructed in music by centaure.Tatoeba #11018407 by carlosalberto, translation #11018309 by carlosalberto
- Dans la mythologie grecque, le centaure est un être mi-homme mi-cheval.In Greek mythology, the centaur is a creature that is half-human, half-horse.
- J'ai vu un dessin animé avec un centaure, c'était trop drôle!I watched a cartoon with a centaur, it was so funny!
- Le centaure court dans la forêt.The centaur runs through the forest.
- Il a dessiné un centaure.He drew a centaur.
Example conversation
Lucas and Chloé are looking at a book of Greek mythology.
- LucasRegarde ce centaure dans le livre, Chloé.Look at this centaur in the book, Chloé.
- ChloéIl est très impressionnant.It is very impressive.
- LucasTu aimes les créatures mythiques ?Do you like mythical creatures?
- ChloéOui, je les trouve fascinantes.Yes, I find them fascinating.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “centaur” translations and entries centaure, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
