schtroumpf
/ʃtʁumf/masculine
The English word smurf is translated into French as schtroumpf.
schtroumpf refers to the fictional character known as a Smurf. Beyond the character, the language uses related forms to create a nonsense vocabulary: the verb schtroumpfer is used to mean 'to smurf' as a placeholder for any unspecified action and the adjective schtroumpfique is used to describe something as 'smurfy'.
Meaning: fictional character (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
schtroumpf is a masculine noun. Its plural form is schtroumpfs.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʃtʁumf/
Did you know?
- In France, the character's name is so flexible that schtroumpf can be used as a noun to describe any object whose name the speaker has forgotten.
- The word schtroumpf likely originated from the German word 'Strumpf', which means 'sock' or 'stocking'.
- The word schtroumpf introduces a phoneme combination that is extremely rare in natural French vocabulary.
Examples in context
- Les Schtroumpfs sont des personnages emblématiques de la bande dessinée belge.The Smurfs are iconic characters from the Belgian comic book.
- J'ai regardé un épisode des Schtroumpfs hier soir, c'était génial!I watched an episode of the Smurfs last night, it was great!
- As-tu déjà vu les Schtroumpfs bleus en train de danser?Have you ever seen the blue Smurfs dancing?
- Le Schtroumpf est bleu.The Smurf is blue.
- J'ai acheté un jouet de Schtroumpf.I bought a Smurf toy.
- Ce Schtroumpf porte un bonnet blanc.This Smurf wears a white hat.
Example conversation
Two friends are looking at a children's book in a store.
- GabrielRegarde ce petit Schtroumpf sur la couverture !Look at this little Smurf on the cover!
- ChloéIl est vraiment très mignon.He is really very cute.
- GabrielTu veux l'offrir à ton neveu ?Do you want to give it to your nephew?
- ChloéOui, il adore ce personnage.Yes, he loves this character.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “smurf” translations and entries schtroumpf, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries schtroumpf, CC BY-SA 4.0.
