crapaud
/kʁa.po/masculine
The French word for toad is crapaud.
The noun crapaud refers to the amphibian similar to a frog. In a colloquial or insulting sense, it can also be used to describe an unpleasant or ugly person, much like the English use of the word 'toad'.
Meaning: amphibian similar to a frog (noun)
Which one should you use?
While crapaud refers specifically to a toad, the word grenouille is used to refer to a frog.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In certain areas of Quebec, Canada, such as the Gaspé Peninsula, the term pélute is used to refer to a toad.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word crapaud is a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables and is pronounced /kʁa.po/.
Did you know?
- The linguistic roots of crapaud are Germanic, specifically from the Frankish word for a 'hook', rather than being purely Latinate like many other French words.
- The suffix -aud in crapaud is an augmentative, implying something large or clumsy, which fits the image of a toad.
- In French folk belief, the crapaud was often associated with the occult and seen as a familiar or servant to witches.
Examples in context
- Le crapaud s'est mis à coasser.The toad started to croak.This sentence shows the verb for the sound a crapaud makes.Tatoeba #12457978 by lbdx, translation #6029170 by Huskion
- La sorcière a jeté le crapaud dans son chaudron.The witch threw the toad into her cauldron.This sentence describes a witch using a crapaud in a cauldron.Tatoeba #8943210 by lbdx, translation #2588682 by Hybrid
- Je ne peux pas distinguer une grenouille d'un crapaud.I can't distinguish a frog from a toad.This sentence illustrates the difficulty of distinguishing a frog from a crapaud.Tatoeba #7705306 by lbdx, translation #63783 by CK
- Le crapaud vit dans des habitats divers.The toad lives in diverse habitats.
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hugo and Emma are walking near a small pond in a park.
- HugoRegarde ce crapaud sur la feuille.Look at this toad on the leaf.
- EmmaOh, il est vraiment impressionnant, ce crapaud !Oh, this toad is really impressive!
- HugoEst-ce que c'est un crapaud ou une grenouille ?Is it a toad or a frog?
- EmmaJe pense que c'est un crapaud.I think it is a toad.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “toad” translations and entries crapaud, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries crapaud, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
