insecte
/ɛ̃.sɛkt/masculine
The English word "insect" is translated into French as insecte.
The word insecte refers to an arthropod of the class Insecta. Depending on the context and region, other terms may be used. For example, you might use the colloquial term bestiole to refer to an insect or the informal Canadian French term bibitte. In certain derogatory contexts, the word vermine might be used to refer to insects.
Meaning: arthropod of class Insecta (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Canadian French, the informal word bibitte is a popular way to describe an insect.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word insecte is a masculine noun. To form the plural, add an -s to get insectes.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ɛ̃.sɛkt/ and has two syllables.
Did you know?
- In Quebec, the informal term bibitte is so common that it is frequently used as an affectionate nickname for small pets or even young children.
- The Latin root of insecte, īnsectum, literally means 'something cut into pieces'.
- When a French speaker cannot identify an insect, they may call it a machin, which translates to 'thingamajig'.
Examples in context
- Un insecte m’a piqué.I was stung by an insect.This sentence is useful for showing how an insecte can sting.Tatoeba #10704924 by AutoBot, translation #10704921 by AutoBot
- Kafka est un insecte.Kafka is an insect.This sentence uses insecte as a metaphor or comparison.Tatoeba #12416646 by Orange, translation #12416647 by Orange
- Cet insecte est riquiqui.This insect is so tiny.This sentence demonstrates how to describe the size of an insecte.Tatoeba #8633225 by Julien_PDC, translation #12000604 by zogwarg
- J'ai vu une petite bestiole volante dans le jardin.I saw a small flying insect in the garden.
- 27 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Léa are walking in a garden.
- LucasRegarde cet insecte sur la fleur !Look at that insect on the flower!
- LéaC'est un insecte très coloré.It is a very colorful insect.
- LucasJe me demande quel insecte c'est.I wonder what insect it is.
- LéaJe pense que c'est une abeille.I think it is a bee.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “insect” translations and entries insecte, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries insecte, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
