kangourou
/kɑ̃.ɡu.ʁu/masculine
The French word for kangaroo is kangourou.
kangourou is a masculine noun used to refer to the marsupial. You can use it in specific descriptions, such as le kangourou roux (red kangaroo) or le kangourou gris (gray kangaroo) and in common expressions like sauter comme un kangourou (to jump like a kangaroo).
Meaning: marsupial (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The word is a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/kɑ̃.ɡu.ʁu/. It has 3 syllables.
Did you know?
- The French word kangourou is a direct loan from English, which in turn borrowed it from the Guugu Yimidhirr language of Australia.
- The French word for the pouch of a kangaroo is la poche, which is the same word used for a pocket on a jacket.
- While the word is masculine, if you are describing a female kangaroo, you must use the phrase la femelle du kangourou rather than changing the word itself.
Examples in context
- Avez-vous déjà vu un kangourou ?Have you ever seen a kangaroo?This sentence is useful for asking if someone has ever seen a kangourou.Tatoeba #2839536 by chtof, translation #16145 by deniko
- Le gourou de la secte était un kangourou.The cult guru was a kangaroo.This sentence uses kangourou in a metaphorical or humorous context.Tatoeba #7723529 by Katastrauff, translation #10315031 by DJ_Saidez
- Une autruche ne peut pas plus voler qu'un kangourou.An ostrich cannot fly any more than a kangaroo can.This sentence compares an ostrich and a kangourou.Tatoeba #9034914 by Aiji, translation #40841 by AlanF_US
- J'ai récemment vu un documentaire sur le kangourou en Australie.I recently watched a documentary about kangaroos in Australia.
- Il saute partout, comme un véritable kangourou!He jumps around everywhere, just like a real kangaroo!
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
At the local zoo, looking at the animal exhibits.
- ManonRegarde, il y a un kangourou là-bas !Look, there is a kangaroo over there!
- GabrielOh, il est vraiment impressionnant, ce kangourou.Oh, that kangaroo is truly impressive.
- ManonEst-ce que le kangourou est avec son bébé ?Is the kangaroo with its baby?
- GabrielOui, on peut voir la petite tête.Yes, we can see the little head.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “kangaroo” translations and entries kangourou, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries kangourou, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
