opossum
/ɔ.pɔ.sɔm/
The English word 'possum' is translated into French as opossum.
opossum refers to a marsupial of the order Diprotodontia.
Meaning: marsupial of the order Diprotodontia (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
The word has three syllables and is pronounced /ɔ.pɔ.sɔm/.
Did you know?
- French distinguishes between the opossum of the Americas and the phalanger of Australia and New Guinea, whereas English often uses 'possum' for both.
- In French, the word opossum is strictly a noun and does not carry any idiomatic meanings related to 'playing dead' as it sometimes does in English slang.
- Because opossum is a masculine noun, any adjective describing the animal must be masculine, even if the specific animal is female.
Examples in context
- Il y a un gros opossum dans la véranda.There's a fat possum on the porch.This sentence is useful for describing the presence of an opossum on a porch.Tatoeba #13721585 by Rovo, translation #13719108 by rul
- L'opossum est un animal très calme.The opossum is a very calm animal.
- J'ai vu un petit opossum dans le jardin.I saw a little opossum in the garden.
Example conversation
Nathan and Léa are watching a nature documentary together.
- NathanRegarde cet opossum sur l'écran.Look at that opossum on the screen.
- LéaIl est vraiment mignon, l'opossum.The opossum is really cute.
- NathanEst-ce que l'opossum est dangereux ?Is the opossum dangerous?
- LéaNon, il est très pacifique.No, it is very peaceful.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry opossum, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
