prédateur
/pʁe.da.tœʁ/masculine
The English phrase "predator" is translated into French as prédateur.
The term refers to an animal or organism that hunts.
Meaning: animal or organism that hunts (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, Canada, the word prédateur or the expression animal prédateur are used as commonly as in France.
How does it change in a sentence?
The feminine form for a female predator is prédatrice. To refer to multiple predators in the masculine or a mixed group, use the masculine plural form prédateurs.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /pʁe.da.tœʁ/ and consists of 3 syllables.
Did you know?
- The word prédateur shares its root with the English word 'predatory', but it is also the direct ancestor of the English word 'prey' via the same Latin root *praeda*.
- If you are describing a bird of prey, the specific term used is rapace rather than prédateur.
- The term prédateur can be used metaphorically in French business circles to describe an aggressive company attempting a hostile takeover, similar to the English 'corporate predator'.
Examples in context
- Tom est un prédateur.Tom is a sexual predator.This sentence uses prédateur to describe a sexual predator.Tatoeba #14055641 by Myrano_, translation #14055639 by Myrano_
- Un dangereux prédateur s'est échappé.A dangerous predator has escaped.This sentence uses prédateur to describe a predator that has escaped.Tatoeba #8750853 by Aiji, translation #7784703 by AlanF_US
- Avec un prédateur sexuel comme Sami en liberté, aucune femme n'est en sécurité.With a sexual predator like Sami at large, no woman is safe.Tatoeba #6329661 by Scorpionvenin14, translation #6329336 by OsoHombre
- Ce lion est un prédateur redoutable.This lion is a formidable predator.
- Les serpents sont des animaux prédateurs.Snakes are predatory animals.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma and Nathan are watching a nature documentary together.
- EmmaRegarde ce prédateur sur l'écran, Nathan.Look at this predator on the screen, Nathan.
- NathanC'est impressionnant de le voir chasser.It is impressive to see him hunt.
- EmmaIl est vraiment rapide pour un tel prédateur.He is really fast for such a predator.
- NathanOui, la nature est fascinante.Yes, nature is fascinating.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “predator” translations and entries prédateur, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries prédateur, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
