tireur d'élite
The French word for sniper is tireur d'élite.
The term tireur d'élite is used to describe both military snipers and marksmen in a more general sense, referring to a person using long-range small arms for precise attacks from a concealed position.
Meaning: a person using long-range small arms for precise attacks from a concealed position (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, the phrase translates to elite shooter.
How does it change in a sentence?
To refer to a female sniper, use the feminine form tireuse d'élite. To make the phrase plural, add an 's' to the first word to get tireurs d'élite.
Did you know?
- In French, the word tirer is used both for shooting a gun and for pulling something, such as a door or a curtain.
- While tireur d'élite is the formal term, French news reports and casual speakers often borrow the English word 'sniper' directly.
- Outside of military contexts, tireur d'élite can be used to describe athletes who have an uncanny ability to hit a target.
Examples in context
- Eh bien, Cupidon est un très mauvais tireur d'élite.Well, Cupid is a terrible sniper.This sentence is useful for illustrating how to use tireur d'élite in a metaphorical sense regarding Cupid.Tatoeba #1541086 by sacredceltic, translation #1540027 by saeb
- L'armée française a utilisé des tireurs d'élite pendant la guerre.The French army used snipers during the war.
- Le franc-tireur embusqué était difficile à repérer dans la forêt.The concealed sniper was difficult to spot in the forest.
- Le tireur d'élite surveille la zone.The sniper is watching the area.
- Il joue le rôle d'un tireur d'élite.He plays the role of a sniper.
Example conversation
Emma and Hugo are discussing a movie plot.
- EmmaLe tireur d'élite a éliminé la cible.The sniper eliminated the target.
- HugoC'était une scène très impressionnante.It was a very impressive scene.
- EmmaOui, il est vraiment précis.Yes, he is really precise.
- HugoC'est le meilleur tireur d'élite du film.He is the best sniper in the movie.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
