serpent
/sɛʁ.pɑ̃/masculine
The English word 'serpent' is translated into French as serpent.
serpent refers to a snake.
Meaning: snake (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
serpent is a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables and is pronounced /sɛʁ.pɑ̃/.
Did you know?
- A serpent de mer is a French idiom for a rumor or a story that resurfaces periodically but is never proven true.
- In French, the term serpent is the standard word for all snakes, whereas English speakers often use 'serpent' only for mythical or biblical creatures.
- The English word 'serpent' and the French serpent share the same Latin ancestor, 'serpens', which literally means 'that which creeps'.
Examples in context
- C'est le serpent qui tenta Eve.It's the serpent who tempted Eve.This sentence is useful for seeing how serpent is used in a biblical context.Tatoeba #497765 by Bruno, translation #497937 by FeuDRenais
- Elle est perfide comme un serpent.She is treacherous, like a serpent.This sentence demonstrates using serpent in a simile to describe someone's character.Tatoeba #1153349 by sacredceltic, translation #8829311 by AlanF_US
- D'en haut, la rivière ressemble à un serpent qui ondule à travers la jungle.From above the river looks like a serpent slithering through the jungle.This sentence shows how serpent can be used to describe the movement of a river.Tatoeba #10710459 by lbdx, translation #565775 by darinmex
- J'ai vu un serpent dans le jardinI saw a serpent in the garden
- Faites attention à ce serpent venimeux !Be careful of this venomous snake!
- Regardez le serpent là-bas !Look at the snake over there!
- J'adore observer les reptiles, surtout les serpents !I love observing reptiles, especially snakes!
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nathan and Manon are watching a nature documentary together.
- ManonRegarde ce serpent sur l'écran.Look at that snake on the screen.
- NathanIl est impressionnant, ce serpent.That snake is impressive.
- ManonIl ne semble pas dangereux.It does not seem dangerous.
- NathanFais attention quand même.Be careful anyway.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “serpent” translations and entries serpent, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries serpent, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
