un orignal
Quebec
In Quebec a moose is un orignal. Standard French in Europe uses élan for the European elk, but in Canada orignal is the normal word for the North American animal. It is also called un élan.
Meaning: large deer of the northern forests (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | Note |
|---|---|
| un orignal | Quebec |
| un élan | standard French |
You see road signs and hunting rules in Quebec that name orignal. It is a common animal in Quebec forests, so the word is part of everyday talk.
How does it change in a sentence?
Orignal is masculine. The plural is orignaux.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Orignal is not the same word as original, which means "original" or "eccentric".
Did you know?
- The plural of orignal is orignaux.
Examples in context
- On a vu un orignal sur la route.We saw a moose on the road.
- Attention aux orignaux la nuit.Watch out for moose at night.
- L'orignal mange des plantes aquatiques.The moose eats aquatic plants.
Example conversation
Jean-Philippe and his daughter Zoé drive through the Laurentians in Quebec.
- ZoéPapa, regarde, un orignal!Dad, look, a moose!
- Jean-PhilippeRalentis, il est près de la route.Slow down, it is close to the road.
- ZoéIl est énorme!It is huge!
