paon
/pɑ̃/masculine
The English phrase peacock is translated into French as paon. If unsure, use paon. Wiktionary also lists paonne.
Meaning: pheasant of one of the genera Pavo and Afropavo (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| paon | /pɑ̃/ | masculine |
| paonne | /pan/ | feminine |
The term refers to the bird of the genera Pavo and Afropavo. Related verbs can describe the behavior of these birds or humans: se pavaner describes the physical act of strutting about proudly or haughtily, while faire le beau and pavoiser refer to the act of peacocking or showing off.
Which one should you use?
The verb se pavaner describes the physical act of strutting, while the colloquial expression faire le beau is a more colloquial way to describe someone acting in a showy or vain manner to attract attention.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The feminine form of the noun, used to refer to a peahen, is paonne.
How do you pronounce it?
/pɑ̃/
Did you know?
- The verb pavoiser, while meaning to show off, originally described the maritime practice of decorating a ship's masts and railings with flags and banners during a celebration.
- The expression faire le beau is used both colloquially for humans acting vainly and literally for the courtship display of a male bird.
- The French word paon comes from the Latin word pāvōnem.
Examples in context
- Il est fier comme un paon !He's as proud as a peacock!This example shows how to use paon in a simile about pride.Tatoeba #711711 by U2FS, translation #12512210 by rul
- Il y a un paon dans la cour.There's a peacock in the courtyard.This example shows how to use paon to identify the location of the bird.Tatoeba #1482856 by sacredceltic, translation #1482609 by Spamster
- Le paon se pavanait fièrement.The peacock strutted proudly.This example shows the bird performing the action of strutting using paon.Tatoeba #13215477 by lbdx, translation #12075701 by Amastan
- Le paon est un oiseau aux plumes colorées et à l'allure majestueuse.The peacock is a bird with colorful feathers and a majestic appearance.
- J'ai vu un magnifique paon dans le parc hier !I saw a magnificent peacock in the park yesterday!
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma and Nathan are visiting a small zoo.
- EmmaRegarde ce magnifique paon bleu !Look at that magnificent blue peacock!
- NathanIl est vraiment impressionnant, ce paon.This peacock is truly impressive.
- EmmaSes plumes sont incroyables.His feathers are incredible.
- NathanOui, la nature est fascinante.Yes, nature is fascinating.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “peacock” translations and entries paon, paonne, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries paon, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
