semi-homme
masculine
The English word halfling can be translated into French as semi-homme or halfelin.
Meaning: a hobbit (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | Note |
|---|---|
| semi-homme | masculine |
| halfelin | masculine |
This term refers to a hobbit.
Which one should you use?
halfelin is a masculine noun, as is semi-homme.
Did you know?
- While English speakers use 'halfling' to mean a hobbit, a French person hearing semi-homme might imagine a terrifying mythological creature or a biological hybrid rather than a charming fantasy race.
- Most classic French translations of Tolkien's work do not translate 'Hobbit' at all, treating it as a proper name that remains the same in both languages.
- If you want to describe a small humanoid creature in a traditional French fairy tale, you would use the word lutin instead of a term for a halfling.
Examples in context
- Les enfants s'imaginent être de petits hobbits explorant la Comté.Children imagine themselves as tiny halflings exploring the Shire.
- Ce petit semi-homme est très courageux.This little halfling is very courageous.
Example conversation
Manon and Hugo are discussing a fantasy book.
- ManonQuel est ton personnage préféré ?Who is your favorite character?
- HugoJe préfère le semi-homme, Hugo.I prefer the halfling, Hugo.
- ManonPourquoi aimes-tu le semi-homme ?Why do you like the halfling?
- HugoParce qu'il est très malin.Because he is very clever.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “halfling” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
