sorbier
/sɔʁ.bje/feminine
The English word "rowan" is translated into French as sorbier.
sorbier is a noun used to refer to a tree or shrub belonging to the genus Sorbus.
Meaning: tree or shrub of the genus Sorbus (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The word sorbier is a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/sɔʁ.bje/
Did you know?
- While sorbier is the general term, the rowan tree is often specifically called sorbier des ogres in some regional myths due to its association with giants.
- In many French-speaking regions, particularly in folklore, the sorbier was traditionally planted near houses to protect the inhabitants from lightning and evil spirits. It was considered a magical guardian tree.
- While English uses 'rowan' for the tree, the French word sorbier is built directly from the name of its fruit, sorbe, making the botanical connection impossible to miss.
Examples in context
- Les baies rouges-orangées du sorbier peuvent être utilisées pour faire de la confiture.The reddish-orange berries of the rowan can be used to make jam.This sentence shows how the berries of the sorbier can be used to make jam.Tatoeba #10810332 by lbdx, translation #10808921 by sundown
- J'ai planté un sorbier dans le jardin.I planted a rowan in the garden.
Example conversation
Lucas and Manon are looking at the garden plants.
- LucasRegarde ce beau sorbier.Look at this beautiful rowan.
- ManonIl est magnifique, Lucas.It is magnificent, Lucas.
- LucasLes feuilles sont très vertes.The leaves are very green.
- ManonC'est une excellente idée de l'avoir planté.It was an excellent idea to have planted it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “rowan” translations and entries sorbier, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
