ours polaire
/uʁs pɔ.lɛʁ/masculine
The English phrase "polar bear" is translated into French as ours polaire. Wiktionary also lists ours blanc.
Meaning: Ursus maritimus (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| ours polaire | /uʁs pɔ.lɛʁ/ | masculine |
| ours blanc | /uʁs blɑ̃/ | masculine |
Both terms refer to the animal *Ursus maritimus*.
Which one should you use?
ours blanc is a common alternative that literally translates to "white bear".
How does it change in a sentence?
To form the plural of ours polaire, use ours polaires, where the adjective takes an 's'.
How do you pronounce it?
/uʁs pɔ.lɛʁ/
Did you know?
Examples in context
- Le pingouin a été mangé par un ours polaire.The penguin was eaten by a polar bear.This sentence is useful for seeing how ours polaire is used in a sentence about a penguin.Tatoeba #7730411 by lbdx, translation #6577111 by Hybrid
- En fait, pour bouger à une certaine vitesse, l'ours polaire utilise deux fois plus d'énergie que ne le font la plupart des autres mammifères.In fact, to move at any speed the polar bear uses twice as much energy as do most other mammals.This sentence is useful for seeing how ours polaire is used in a sentence about energy consumption.Tatoeba #1117839 by Sibelius, translation #265057 by papabear
- Ces oursons polaires sont incroyablement mignons !These polar bear cubs are incredibly cute!
- L'ours polaire est un animal impressionnant.The polar bear is an impressive animal.
Example conversation
Hugo and Manon are watching a nature documentary together.
- HugoRegarde cet ours polaire sur l'écran.Look at that polar bear on the screen.
- ManonIl est magnifique, Hugo.He is magnificent, Hugo.
- HugoIl a l'air très fort.He looks very strong.
- ManonOui, c'est un prédateur redoutable.Yes, he is a formidable predator.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “polar bear” translations and entries ours polaire, ours blanc, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries blanc, ours, polaire, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
