pieuvre
/pjœvʁ/feminine
The English word octopus is translated into French as either pieuvre or poulpe.
Meaning: mollusc (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| pieuvre | /pjœvʁ/ | feminine |
| poulpe | /pulp/ | masculine |
Both terms refer to the cephalopod mollusc. Pieuvre is typically used in biological or descriptive contexts, such as when discussing the animal's behavior or characteristics in nature. Poulpe is the term most commonly used in a culinary context, such as when you are ordering octopus at a restaurant.
Which one should you use?
Pieuvre is a feminine noun, whereas poulpe is a masculine noun. Use pieuvre for scientific or descriptive purposes and poulpe when referring to the animal as food.
How does it change in a sentence?
To make these nouns plural, add an s: les pieuvres for the plural of pieuvre and les poulpes for the plural of poulpe.
How do you pronounce it?
/pjœvʁ/
Did you know?
- The term pieuvre is often used metaphorically in French to describe a person who is greedy or an organization that has an overreaching, suffocating grip on others.
- The term pieuvre is a linguistic oddity that was popularized by the famous novelist Victor Hugo in the 19th century.
Examples in context
- La pieuvre s'enroula autour de sa proie.The octopus wrapped itself around its prey.This sentence shows how pieuvre is used to describe the animal's actions.Tatoeba #9009652 by Aiji, translation #5062383 by AlanF_US
- Est-ce que la pieuvre est l'un de tes préférés ?Is the octopus one of your favourites?This sentence uses pieuvre to ask about a favorite.Tatoeba #6966798 by Yemana, translation #6029167 by Huskion
- J'ai vu une énorme pieuvre en faisant de la plongée hier.I saw a huge octopus while scuba diving yesterday.This sentence uses pieuvre in the context of observing the animal while diving.Tatoeba #12318783 by lbdx, translation #8741223 by Solana
- Le comportement du poulpe est fascinant.The behavior of the octopus is fascinating.
- J'ai vu une énorme pieuvre lors de ma plongée.I saw a huge octopus during my dive.
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma and Lucas are at an aquarium.
- EmmaRegarde cette pieuvre, elle est magnifique !Look at this octopus, it is magnificent!
- LucasOui, elle est très impressionnante.Yes, it is very impressive.
- EmmaEst-ce qu'elle peut changer de couleur ?Can it change color?
- LucasOui, la pieuvre peut se camoufler.Yes, the octopus can camouflage itself.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “octopus” translations and entries pieuvre, poulpe, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries pieuvre, poulpe, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
