calopsitte
The English word cockatiel is translated into French as calopsitte.
In French, calopsitte refers to a small, rather atypical cockatoo with a distinctive pointed yellow crest.
Meaning: a small, rather atypical cockatoo with a distinctive pointed yellow crest (noun)
Did you know?
- The French word calopsitte is derived from the Greek words kalos meaning 'beautiful' and psitte meaning 'parrot'.
- In French, calopsitte is a feminine noun, meaning you use la or une regardless of the bird's actual gender.
- In casual conversation, a French speaker is more likely to call the bird une perruche rather than using the precise term calopsitte.
Examples in context
- Ma calopsitte est tellement mignonne !My cockatiel is so cute!
- Ma calopsitte est très calme.My cockatiel is very calm.
- Est-ce que cette calopsitte est à vendre ?Is this cockatiel for sale?
- Il a acheté une belle calopsitte grise.He bought a beautiful grey cockatiel.
Example conversation
Gabriel and Manon are at a pet store.
- GabrielRegarde cette calopsitte, elle est mignonne !Look at this cockatiel, it is cute!
- ManonOui, j'adore sa petite crête jaune.Yes, I love its little yellow crest.
- GabrielTu penses qu'une calopsitte est facile à dresser ?Do you think a cockatiel is easy to train?
- ManonJe pense que oui, Gabriel.I think so, Gabriel.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cockatiel” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
