chèvre
/ʃɛvʁ/feminine
The French word for goat is chèvre. Wiktionary also lists bouc and bique.
Meaning: animal (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| chèvre | /ʃɛvʁ/ | feminine |
| bouc | /buk/ | masculine |
| bique | /bik/ | feminine |
The term is used to refer to the animal known as a goat. While it is the most common way to name the species, it can also be used to specify a female goat.
Which one should you use?
chèvre is the general term for the species or a female goat, whereas bouc is used specifically for a male goat. bique is a colloquial alternative for a goat.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
In formal contexts, you may see Chèvre domestique used to specify a domesticated goat. bique is a colloquial or informal way to refer to a goat, and Biquette is an endearing, informal term used for a small or young goat.
How does it change in a sentence?
To form the plural of chèvre, add an s to get chèvres. The plural of bouc is boucs.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʃɛvʁ/
Did you know?
- The word chèvre shares its ultimate ancestor with the Latin capra, which also gave English the word 'capricious', meaning impulsive like a goat.
- The word chèvre is so synonymous with the animal that it can also refer to 'goat cheese' in a shorthand way, standing in for the full phrase fromage de chèvre.
Examples in context
- Ziri a une chèvre.Ziri has a goat.This sentence shows the use of chèvre to indicate ownership.Tatoeba #11738447 by Amastan, translation #10208122 by Amastan
- Elle a trait une chèvre.She milked a goat.This sentence demonstrates the action of milking a chèvre.Tatoeba #11738435 by Amastan, translation #2879101 by Amastan
- Il sent comme une chèvre.He smells like a goat.This sentence uses chèvre in a comparison regarding smell.Tatoeba #11738448 by Amastan, translation #1635252 by Amastan
- 42 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nathan and Chloé are visiting a farm.
- NathanRegarde cette petite chèvre !Look at that little goat!
- ChloéElle est vraiment mignonne, Nathan.She is really cute, Nathan.
- NathanEst-ce qu'on peut nourrir la chèvre ?Can we feed the goat?
- ChloéOui, demande au fermier d'abord.Yes, ask the farmer first.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “goat” translations and entries chèvre, bouc, bique, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bique, bouc, chèvre, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
