hippopotame
/i.pɔ.pɔ.tam/masculine
The English word "hippopotamus" is translated into French as hippopotame. Wiktionary also lists hippo and cheval marin.
Meaning: African mammal (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| hippopotame | /i.pɔ.pɔ.tam/ | masculine |
| hippo | masculine | |
| cheval marin | masculine |
The term refers to the African mammal.
Which one should you use?
Note that cheval marin is not a synonym for a hippopotamus. It refers to a sea horse (the fish).
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 4 syllables: /i.pɔ.pɔ.tam/.
Did you know?
- The French word hippopotame is a direct borrow from the Ancient Greek word ἱπποπόταμος, which literally means 'river horse'.
- In French, the term hippopotame is often used metaphorically to describe a person who is perceived as clumsy or heavy.
- The French language uses the same word marin for both the adjective 'marine' and the noun meaning 'a sailor'.
Examples in context
- J'ai vu un hippopotame au zoo.I saw a hippopotamus at the zoo.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use hippopotame when mentioning the zoo.Tatoeba #11946996 by lbdx, translation #4986473 by Airvian
- L'hippopotame était beaucoup trop lourd pour qu'il puisse le soulever.The hippopotamus was far too heavy for him to lift.This sentence shows how to use hippopotame when describing its weight.Tatoeba #13325577 by genes1s, translation #11040355 by CM
- Tom a dit à Mary qu'il pensait qu'un hippopotame pouvait courir à une vitesse d'environ trente kilomètres par heure.Tom told Mary that he thought a hippopotamus could run at a speed of about 30 kilometers per hour.This sentence demonstrates using hippopotame when discussing the animal's speed.Tatoeba #5600021 by Aiji, translation #1261802 by CK
- L'hippopotame est un animal à la fois puissant et fascinant.The hippopotamus is a powerful and fascinating animal.
- Le grand hippopotame est connu pour ses mâchoires impressionnantes.The big hippopotamus is known for its impressive jaws.
- As-tu déjà vu un hippo ? Ils sont vraiment impressionnants !Have you ever seen a hippo? They are truly impressive!
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Chloé and Nathan are watching a nature documentary on TV.
- ChloéRegarde cet hippopotame dans l'eau.Look at that hippopotamus in the water.
- NathanIl est impressionnant, cet hippopotame.That hippopotamus is impressive.
- ChloéEst-ce qu'il est dangereux ?Is it dangerous?
- NathanOui, il peut être très agressif.Yes, it can be very aggressive.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hippopotamus” translations and entries hippopotame, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cheval, hippopotame, marin, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
