singe
/sɛ̃ʒ/masculine
The French word for monkey is singe. Wiktionary also lists guenon.
Meaning: primate (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| singe | /sɛ̃ʒ/ | masculine |
| guenon | /ɡə.nɔ̃/ | feminine |
The term is used to refer to primates in general. You may also encounter the idiomatic expression faire le singe, which means to act like a monkey, typically by being silly, clowning around or making a spectacle of oneself.
Which one should you use?
While singe is the general term for a monkey, guenon specifically refers to a guenon, which is a type of small Old World monkey.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some West African countries, such as Ivory Coast, Mali and Burkina Faso, the term le guenon is used to describe a monkey.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word singe is a masculine noun, while guenon is a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/sɛ̃ʒ/
Did you know?
- While singe is the general word, the feminine guenon is sometimes used as a derogatory term for a woman who is perceived as loud or coarse.
- In French, the term singe is used as a playful or affectionate nickname for a child who is being mischievous.
- In French, the word singe can also be used as a verb, singer, meaning to imitate or mimic someone in a mocking or ridiculous way.
Examples in context
- Il imite un singe.He is imitating a monkey.This sentence shows how to use singe to describe imitation.Tatoeba #11943475 by lbdx, translation #6703971 by Micsmithel
- Il a l'air d'un singe.He looks like a monkey.This sentence uses singe to describe a physical resemblance.Tatoeba #1958209 by sacredceltic, translation #1955967 by Spamster
- As-tu déjà vu un singe ?Have you ever seen a monkey?This sentence uses singe in a question about having seen one.Tatoeba #1505410 by martin9, translation #2940756 by Hakaku
- J'ai vu un singe au zoo.I saw a monkey at the zoo.
- Les enfants adorent les singes dans les dessins animés.Children love monkeys in cartoons.
- Regarde le p'tit singe qui grimpe aux arbres!Look at the little monkey climbing the trees!
- Ce p'tit singe est vraiment malin.This little monkey is very clever.
- Les macaques du zoo sont très amusants à observer.The monkeys at the zoo are fun to watch.
- Les guenons dans la forêt sont magnifiques.The monkeys in the forest are beautiful.
- 45 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nathan and Manon are visiting the zoo.
- NathanRegarde le petit singe là-bas !Look at the little monkey over there!
- ManonIl est vraiment mignon, Nathan.He is really cute, Nathan.
- NathanJe pense que c'est un singe intelligent.I think it is an intelligent monkey.
- ManonC'est vrai, il mange une banane.That's true, he is eating a banana.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “monkey” translations and entries singe, guenon, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
