vipère
/vi.pɛʁ/feminine
The French word for viper is vipère.
vipère refers to a poisonous snake in the family Viperidae. Similar to English, the term can also be used metaphorically to describe a person who is considered treacherous or malicious.
Meaning: a poisonous snake in the family Viperidae (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun vipère is feminine, so any accompanying adjectives must agree in gender.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /vi.pɛʁ/. It has two syllables.
Did you know?
- The mythical dragon-like creature known as a vouivre is actually a linguistic relative of vipère, sharing the same ancient roots.
- When used to describe a person in French literature, vipère often implies that the individual hides their malicious intent behind a mask of elegance or politeness.
- The word vipère is a direct descendant of the Latin word vīpera, which has remained remarkably stable for thousands of years.
Examples in context
- Tout le monde sait qu'elle est une vipère.Everyone knows it is a viper.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use vipère when describing a person.Tatoeba #9622010 by Adelpa, translation #13752597 by qwertydiy
- La vipère est un reptile venimeux.The viper is a venomous reptile.
- Les Viperidae sont une famille de serpents venimeux.Viperidae is a family of venomous snakes.
- La vipère est une espèce fascinante à étudier.The viper is a fascinating species to study.
- Une vipère a traversé le sentier.A viper crossed the path.
- Fais attention, c'est une vipère.Watch out, it's a viper.
Example conversation
Nathan and Chloé are hiking in the mountains.
- NathanRegarde Chloé, il y a une vipère là-bas !Look Chloé, there is a viper over there!
- ChloéOh non, ne t'approche pas d'elle.Oh no, don't go near it.
- NathanJe reste loin, je sais que c'est une vipère.I'm staying away, I know it's a viper.
- ChloéC'est plus prudent, partons vite.That's more prudent, let's leave quickly.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “viper” translations and entries vipère, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries vipère, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
