créature
/kʁe.a.tyʁ/feminine
The English word creature is translated into French as créature. Wiktionary also lists être.
Meaning: living being (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| créature | /kʁe.a.tyʁ/ | feminine |
| être | /ɛtʁ/ /ɛːtʁ/ |
masculine |
The primary term for a living being is créature. This word often implies a specific, sometimes strange or mythical entity.
Which one should you use?
While créature often suggests a specific or unusual entity, the masculine noun être is a more neutral, philosophical term for a 'being'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun créature is feminine and requires feminine articles and adjectives.
How do you pronounce it?
/kʁe.a.tyʁ/ (3 syllables)
Did you know?
- In French, créature can be used as a biting insult to describe a person seen as despicable or devoid of morality.
- The word être originates from two different Latin verbs: 'essere' meaning 'to be' and 'stāre' meaning 'to stand'.
- The French term être can function as both a noun meaning 'a being' and a verb meaning 'to be', a dual role that is central to the language.
Examples in context
- La créature s'en est allée.The creature left.This sentence shows how to use créature to describe an entity leaving.Tatoeba #11837633 by Amastan, translation #11212355 by Amastan
- Saute sur la créature pour la tuer.Jump on the creature to kill it.This sentence demonstrates an action directed toward a créature.Tatoeba #557799 by sacredceltic, translation #477373 by BlueLagoon
- Sans eau, aucune créature ne pourrait vivre.Without water, no creature could live.This sentence illustrates the necessity of water for any créature to live.Tatoeba #11614265 by Aiji, translation #3468021 by AlanF_US
- Cette créature marine est fascinanteThis marine creature is fascinating
- L'étude de ces êtres vivants est essentielleThe study of these living beings is essential
- J'ai vu une étrange bête dans le jardinI saw a strange creature in the garden
- Il y a toujours des bestioles qui se cachent iciThere are always little critters hiding here
- Tu es un drôle de zozo, toi!You're a funny creature, you!
- Attention à la bébête qui vole!Watch out for the flying creature!
- 22 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gabriel and Manon are looking at a strange insect in the garden.
- GabrielRegarde cette petite créature sur la fleur.Look at this little creature on the flower.
- ManonElle est vraiment magnifique, Gabriel.She is truly magnificent, Gabriel.
- GabrielEst-ce qu'elle est dangereuse ?Is it dangerous?
- ManonNon, elle semble très calme.No, she seems very calm.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “creature” translations and entries créature, être, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries créature, être, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
