raton laveur
/ʁa.tɔ̃ la.vœʁ/masculine
The English word raccoon is translated into French as raton laveur. Wiktionary also lists raton laveur commun and chaoui.
Meaning: nocturnal omnivore living in North America, Procyon lotor (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| raton laveur | /ʁa.tɔ̃ la.vœʁ/ | masculine |
| raton laveur commun | masculine | |
| chaoui | /ʃa.wi/ /ʃa.wi/ (Louisiana) |
Louisiana, masculine |
| chat sauvage | /ʃa so.vaʒ/ | Quebec, masculine |
| chat-chouage | /ʃa.ʃwaʒ/ | masculine |
The term refers to the nocturnal omnivore living in North America, Procyon lotor.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase raton laveur literally translates to 'little washing rat', which refers to the animal's habit of appearing to wash its food.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Louisiana, the term chaoui is used. In Quebec, the dated term chat sauvage is used. Although this literally means 'wild cat', it is used to refer to a raccoon in that region.
How does it change in a sentence?
To form the plural of raton laveur, add an 's' to both the noun and the adjective to get ratons laveurs.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʁa.tɔ̃ la.vœʁ/
Did you know?
- The Louisiana term chaoui is a linguistic traveler, having been borrowed from the Choctaw word shaui.
- While raton laveur is standard, the term chaoui reflects the unique influence of Louisiana Creole on regional French.
Examples in context
- Je veux un raton laveur.I want a raccoon.This sentence is useful for expressing a desire to have a raton laveur.Tatoeba #6402472 by Aiji, translation #3821278 by CK
- Tu vois le raton laveur ?Do you see the raccoon?This sentence is useful for asking if someone sees the raton laveur.Tatoeba #6373736 by Aiji, translation #693563 by CK
- Le raton laveur boit de l'eau.The raccoon drinks water.This sentence is useful for describing the behavior of the raton laveur.Tatoeba #13213120 by Adelpa, translation #10890891 by rul
- Les ratons laveurs sont connus pour leur habileté à ouvrir les poubelles.Raccoons are known for their ability to open trash cans.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hugo and Manon are walking in a park at night.
- HugoRegarde, il y a un raton laveur dans l'arbre !Look, there is a raccoon in the tree!
- ManonOh, il est vraiment mignon, ce raton laveur.Oh, that raccoon is really cute.
- HugoFais attention, il peut être sauvage.Be careful, it can be wild.
- ManonTu as raison, restons loin de lui.You're right, let's stay away from it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “raccoon” translations and entries raton laveur, chaoui, chat sauvage, chat-chouage, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries chaoui, chat, commun, laveur, raton, raton laveur, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
