balbuzard
/bal.by.zaʁ/masculine
The English word 'osprey' is translated into French as balbuzard. Wiktionary also lists balbuzard pêcheur and orfraie.
Meaning: bird of prey (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| balbuzard | /bal.by.zaʁ/ | masculine |
| balbuzard pêcheur | masculine | |
| orfraie | /ɔʁ.fʁɛ/ | feminine |
The term is used to refer to the bird of prey known as the osprey.
Which one should you use?
balbuzard is the general term for the bird, whereas balbuzard pêcheur is the specific and most common name used to identify the exact species, *Pandion haliaetus*.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun balbuzard is masculine and is used with the masculine article le (e.g., le balbuzard). The form orfraie is a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables and is pronounced /bal.by.zaʁ/.
Did you know?
- The French word balbuzard is a rare example of a loanword that originated from a mishearing of an English phrase.
- While balbuzard pêcheur refers to the osprey, the word pêcheur is a homonym that also means 'sinner' in French.
Examples in context
- J'ai vu un balbuzard près du lac.I saw an osprey near the lake.
- Le balbuzard survole l'eau avec agilité.The osprey flies over the water with agility.
- Ce balbuzard cherche un poisson.This osprey is looking for a fish.
Example conversation
Léa and Lucas are watching birds at a nature reserve.
- LéaRegarde, Lucas ! Il y a un balbuzard là-bas.Look, Lucas! There is an osprey over there.
- LucasTu as raison, il est magnifique.You are right, it is magnificent.
- LéaIl plonge pour attraper sa proie.It is diving to catch its prey.
- LucasC'est impressionnant de le voir.It is impressive to see it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “osprey” translations and entries balbuzard, orfraie, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries balbuzard, orfraie, pêcheur, CC BY-SA 4.0.
