zibeline
/zi.blin/feminine
The English word 'sable' (the animal) is translated into French as zibeline. Wiktionary also lists martre.
Meaning: animal (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| zibeline | /zi.blin/ | feminine |
| martre | /maʁtʁ/ | feminine |
When referring to the animal, use the noun zibeline or martre. Note that while the English word 'sable' refers to the animal, in French the common word for the animal is zibeline. However, the word sable does have a specific meaning in French heraldry to describe a black color on a coat of arms.
Which one should you use?
In French, the word sable is used in French heraldry to denote the color black.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Both zibeline and martre are feminine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/zi.blin/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using the word sable when you want to refer to the animal in French, as it refers to the color black in heraldry instead. Use zibeline for the animal.
Did you know?
- While zibeline means 'sable' in French, the word sable in French actually means 'sand'.
- The French word for the animal, zibeline, is a linguistic relative of the English word 'sable'. Both words trace their ancestry back to a common Balto-Slavic root.
Examples in context
- Cette zibeline est très rare.This sable is very rare.
- La peau de zibeline est douce.The sable fur is soft.
- On a vu une petite zibeline dans la forêt.We saw a small sable in the forest.
Example conversation
Emma and Nathan are looking at a nature book together.
- EmmaRegarde, Nathan, c'est une zibeline.Look, Nathan, it's a sable.
- NathanElle est vraiment mignonne.She is really cute.
- EmmaOui, j'adore cet animal.Yes, I love this animal.
- NathanMoi aussi, elle est magnifique.Me too, she is magnificent.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sable” translations and entries zibeline, martre, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries martre, zibeline, CC BY-SA 4.0.
