larve
/laʁv/feminine
The French word for larva is larve.
larve refers to an animal in such stage of growth.
Meaning: an animal in such stage of growth (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The word is a feminine noun. The plural form of larve is larves.
How do you pronounce it?
/laʁv/
Did you know?
- In French, the word larve can be used as a derogatory term to describe a person who is perceived as sluggish, colorless or devoid of personality.
- The word larve shares its Latin ancestor with the English word 'larva', but the Latin 'larva' originally meant a 'ghost' or 'mask'.
- While larve is the scientific term, a French speaker might use the word chenille specifically when referring to the caterpillar stage of a butterfly.
Examples in context
- Les étudiants ont observé la phase larvaire des amphibiens dans le laboratoire.The students observed the larval stage of amphibians in the laboratory.
- On peut voir une larve sur cette feuille.We can see a larva on this leaf.
- La larve est très petite et verte.The larva is very small and green.
- Cette larve se cache sous l'écorce.This larva is hiding under the bark.
Example conversation
Lucas and Manon are looking at a garden insect.
- LucasQu'est-ce que c'est que ce truc ?What is this thing?
- ManonC'est une larve de scarabée, Lucas.It is a beetle larva, Lucas.
- LucasElle est assez impressionnante.It is quite impressive.
- ManonOui, elle va bientôt grandir.Yes, it will grow soon.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “larva” translations and entries larve, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries larve, CC BY-SA 4.0.
