cow-boy
/kaw.bɔj/
The English word "cowboy" is translated into French as cow-boy.
The term refers to a person who tends cattle.
Meaning: person who tends cattle (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
/kaw.bɔj/
Did you know?
- While cow-boy describes the American figure, French speakers use the term gardian for the traditional cattle herders of the Camargue region in southern France.
- In a figurative sense, calling someone a cow-boy in a French professional context can imply they are reckless or ignore established rules.
- The French language often uses the term Far West instead of 'Wild West' when discussing the era and setting associated with the cow-boy.
Examples in context
- Un cow-boy conduit le bétail vers le pâturage.A cowboy is driving cattle to the pasture.This sentence shows how to use cow-boy when describing driving cattle to pasture.Tatoeba #9451883 by Micsmithel, translation #63790 by CM
- Quand j'ai vu Tom hier, il portait un chapeau de cow-boy.When I saw Tom yesterday, he was wearing a cowboy hat.This sentence shows how to use cow-boy when referring to a hat.Tatoeba #5367342 by Aiji, translation #2335874 by CK
- Il ne veut pas être un cow-boy.He doesn't want to be a cowboy.This sentence shows how to use cow-boy when expressing a desire or career choice.Tatoeba #10642172 by nonong, translation #10642133 by nonong
- Salut! As-tu déjà rencontré un cow-boy français?Hey! Have you ever met a French cowboy?
- Je suis allé dans un bar country hier soir et j'ai dansé avec un cow-boy du Far West!I went to a country bar last night and danced with a cowboy from the Far West!
Example conversation
Lucas and Léa are watching a Western movie.
- LucasRegarde ce cow-boy sur son cheval !Look at that cowboy on his horse!
- LéaIl a l'air très courageux.He looks very brave.
- LucasC'est le meilleur cow-boy du film.He is the best cowboy in the movie.
- LéaJe suis d'accord avec toi, Lucas.I agree with you, Lucas.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cowboy” translations and entries cow-boy, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
