vautour
/vo.tuʁ/masculine
The English word vulture is translated into French as vautour. Wiktionary also lists carencro (Cajun).
Meaning: bird (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| vautour | /vo.tuʁ/ | masculine |
| carencro (Cajun) |
The word is a masculine noun used to refer to the bird.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Cajun French, the term carencro is used for vulture. Additionally, in Martinique and French Guiana, the term Urubu is used to refer to vultures.
How does it change in a sentence?
To form the plural, add an s to the end of the word: vautours.
How do you pronounce it?
/vo.tuʁ/
Did you know?
- In Martinique and French Guiana, the word Urubu is used instead of vautour. This term is borrowed from the Tupi language of indigenous Brazilians.
- The Cajun term carencro is actually a phonetic adaptation of the English phrase 'carrion crow'.
- While English uses 'vulture' for any scavenger bird, French speakers distinguish between the vautour and the gypaète, a specific type of bearded vulture.
Examples in context
- L'aigle est un rapace comme le faucon et le vautour.The eagle is a raptor, like the falcon and vulture.This sentence is useful for showing how to list different types of raptors using vautour.Tatoeba #5394796 by alexisslay, translation #5396383 by mailohilohi
- L'aigle, roi des oiseaux, regarde le soleil. Le vautour et le corbeau se nourrissent de charognes. Le milan pourchasse les poules.The eagle, king of birds, looks on the sun. The vulture and the raven feed on carrion. The kite pursues chickens.This sentence is useful for describing the feeding habits of birds like the vautour.Tatoeba #10066691 by lbdx, translation #7351110 by jimkillock
- Ça ne s'appelle pas la Vallée des Vautours pour rien, mec !It ain't called Vulture Valley for nothin', Bub!This sentence uses vautour in an informal, conversational context.Tatoeba #408731 by Scott, translation #408712 by Scott
- Le vautour est un oiseau charognard impressionnant.The vulture is an impressive scavenging bird.
- Regarde ce charognard qui vole là-bas, il est impressionnant!Look at that vulture flying over there, it's impressive!
- Le vautour joue un rôle écologique crucial en nettoyant les carcasses à travers la nature.The vulture plays a crucial ecological role by cleaning carcasses throughout nature.
- J'ai vu un énorme charognard tournoyer dans le ciel aujourd'hui!I saw a huge vulture circling in the sky today!
Example conversation
A couple is birdwatching in the countryside.
- NathanRegarde ce vautour là-bas sur la colline.Look at that vulture over there on the hill.
- EmmaOh, il est vraiment immense !Oh, it is truly huge!
- NathanC'est un vautour très impressionnant.It is a very impressive vulture.
- EmmaJe suis contente de l'avoir vu.I am glad I saw it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “vulture” translations and entries vautour, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries carencro, vautour, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
