mâle et femelle
The English phrase "male and female" is translated into French as mâle et femelle.
This phrase is used to describe the biological sex of animals.
Which one should you use?
You should use mâle et femelle specifically when referring to the biological sex of animals. In contrast, when referring to adult human males and females, the standard terms are homme et femme.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase mâle et femelle is used in the singular form to describe the sex of a species or a general category of animals.
Did you know?
- The word mâle is used in French to describe the 'male' end of a plug or connector in electronics and plumbing.
- The word femelle is used in French to describe female animals, but using it for a woman is considered highly offensive and derogatory.
- The word femelle is a direct descendant of the Latin 'fēmella', a diminutive form of 'femina', meaning 'little woman'.
Examples in context
- On trouve des spécimens mâle et femelle dans la forêt.We find male and female specimens in the forest.
Example conversation
Lucas and Emma are looking at birds in a park.
- LucasRegarde ces deux canards là-bas.Look at those two ducks over there.
- EmmaSont-ils mâle et femelle ?Are they male and female?
- LucasOui, ils forment un couple.Yes, they form a couple.
- EmmaIls sont vraiment mignons.They are really cute.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries et, femelle, mâle, CC BY-SA 4.0.
