serpents
The English phrase snakes is translated into French as serpents.
serpents is the term used for long, legless reptiles with scales. While serpents is a widely used term for all species, a speaker might use the term couleuvre in a biological context to refer specifically to non-venomous snakes such as colubrids. Additionally, le cobra is the specific French term used for a cobra.
Did you know?
- In French, the term serpent de mer refers to a sea serpent, but it is also a common idiom used to describe a long, boring, or overly complicated story.
- While serpent is the general term, the word gueule is used for a snake's mouth instead of bouche, which is the standard word for 'mouth'.
- In French folklore and literature, the serpent is often interchangeable with the dragon when referring to ancient mythical creatures of the earth.
Examples in context
- Il a peur des serpents.He is afraid of snakes.This sentence is useful for expressing that someone is afraid of serpents.Tatoeba #131359 by nimfeo, translation #292670 by CH
- J'ai peur des serpents.I'm scared of snakes.This sentence is useful for expressing that you are scared of serpents.Tatoeba #8218106 by Aiji, translation #4963988 by CK
- J'ai très peur des serpents.I'm very afraid of snakes.This sentence is useful for expressing that you are very afraid of serpents.Tatoeba #7946263 by Aiji, translation #1556504 by brymck
- Le serpent est un reptile fascinantThe snake is a fascinating reptile
- Il est fourbe comme un serpentHe is as sly as a snake
- 54 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Léa and Lucas are watching a nature documentary on TV.
- LéaRegarde ces serpents dans le désert.Look at those snakes in the desert.
- LucasIls sont impressionnants, mais ils font peur.They are impressive, but they are scary.
- LéaTu penses qu'ils sont dangereux ?Do you think they are dangerous?
- LucasOui, certains serpents peuvent être venimeux.Yes, some snakes can be venomous.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
