hirondelle noire
The English phrase 'purple martin' is translated into French as hirondelle noire.
Meaning: bird (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The term hirondelle noire literally translates to 'black swallow'.
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the phrase plural, both the noun and the adjective must take an 's', resulting in hirondelles noires.
Did you know?
- In French culture, the arrival of the hirondelle is a traditional sign that spring has officially begun and winter is over.
- The word hirondelle is actually a diminutive, originally derived from the Old Occitan irondela to suggest a small, delicate bird.
- In French, the word hirondelle is strictly feminine, so even if you were discussing a single male bird, the noun remains hirondelle.
Examples in context
- L'Hirondelle de Cayenne est un oiseau migrateur fascinant.The purple martin is a fascinating migratory bird.
- J'ai vu une hirondelle noire dans le jardin.I saw a purple martin in the garden.
- L'hirondelle noire est un oiseau très élégant.The purple martin is a very elegant bird.
- Est-ce que cette hirondelle noire est rare ?Is this purple martin rare?
Example conversation
Manon and Lucas are birdwatching in a park.
- ManonRegarde, il y a une hirondelle noire sur ce poteau !Look, there is a purple martin on that post!
- LucasElle est magnifique, Manon.She is magnificent, Manon.
- ManonElle vole très haut dans le ciel.She is flying very high in the sky.
- LucasOui, c'est un spectacle impressionnant.Yes, it is an impressive sight.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries hirondelle, CC BY-SA 4.0.
