cavalier
/ka.va.lje/masculine
The English phrase 'rider' is translated into French as cavalier. Wiktionary also lists cavalière.
Meaning: one who rides (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| cavalier | /ka.va.lje/ | masculine |
| cavalière | /ka.va.ljɛʁ/ | feminine |
Cavalier refers to an equestrian or someone who rides a horse. In historical contexts, it can also refer to a mounted messenger or a person traveling on horseback. To avoid confusion with someone on a bicycle, use cycliste for a cyclist.
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine form cavalier is used for a male rider, while the feminine form cavalière is used to refer to a female rider.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables and is pronounced /ka.va.lje/.
Did you know?
- The term cavalier can also be used as an adjective in French to describe someone who is 'cavalier' or dismissive and arrogant in their attitude.
- In the context of card games like Belote, a cavalier is the specific name for the 'Jack' or 'Knave'. This tradition reflects the historical role of the knight as a lower rank of nobility.
- The term cavalier is used in French dance and social contexts to refer to a male partner. In a formal ball, a woman would introduce her cavalier for the next dance.
Examples in context
- Le cavalier était assis à califourchon sur son cheval.The rider sat astride his horse.This sentence shows the use of cavalier for a person sitting astride a horse.Tatoeba #10634513 by lbdx, translation #10634511 by sundown
- Dépêchez un cavalier royal avec cette lettre scellée du roi.Dispatch a royal rider with this sealed letter from the king.This sentence illustrates the historical use of cavalier as a messenger.Tatoeba #8648261 by lbdx, translation #7030922 by Eccles17
- La jument alezane qui caracolait, hennit en essayant de se débarrasser de son cavalier.The prancing chestnut mare whinnied as she tried to get rid of the rider.This sentence demonstrates the use of cavalier to describe a rider being dislodged from a mare.Tatoeba #1602819 by sacredceltic, translation #1602321 by human600
- Mon amie est une cavalière talentueuse.My friend is a talented horse rider.
- Ses parents sont des cyclistes passionnés.His/her parents are passionate cyclists.
- Il est un motard expérimenté.He is an experienced motorcycle rider.
- On va rider ensemble ce week-end!Let's ride together this weekend!
- Les écuyers sont en train de faire une démonstration équestre.The riders are giving an equestrian demonstration.
- Les bécaneurs se retrouvent chaque semaine pour faire des balades ensemble.The motorcycle riders meet every week to go on rides together.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hugo and Emma are watching a horse show.
- HugoRegarde ce cavalier, il est très doué.Look at that rider, he is very talented.
- EmmaC'est vrai, il maîtrise parfaitement son cheval.True, he controls his horse perfectly.
- HugoJe me demande depuis combien de temps il est cavalier.I wonder how long he has been a rider.
- EmmaIl doit avoir des années d'expérience.He must have years of experience.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “rider” translations and entries cavalier, cavalière, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
