sauvage
/so.vaʒ/
The English word "wild" is translated into French as sauvage.
sauvage is used to describe something that is not domesticated or tamed. When applied to a person's behavior, it can imply that someone is uncivilized, rude or lacks social graces, similar to the English word 'savage'.
Meaning: not domesticated or tamed (adj)
How does it change in a sentence?
sauvage is an epicene adjective, meaning it maintains the same form for both masculine and feminine nouns. To form the plural, simply add an -s to the end to create sauvages.
How do you pronounce it?
/so.vaʒ/
Did you know?
- In French, calling a person sauvage often describes someone who is shy or avoids social contact, rather than someone who is aggressive or unruly.
- The word sauvage is etymologically linked to the word 'forest' through the Latin word silva, meaning 'wild' originally meant 'of the forest'.
- Using sauvage to describe a person can be a compliment in certain artistic or romantic contexts, implying a raw and authentic nature.
Examples in context
- C'est un sauvage au pieux.He's wild in bed.This sentence uses sauvage to describe a person's behavior in a sexual context.Tatoeba #1664172 by sacredceltic, translation #1655479 by Spamster
- Ne sois pas si sauvage, Jack.Don't be so wild, Jack.This sentence uses sauvage to tell someone not to act in a wild manner.Tatoeba #11738 by dominiko, translation #53171 by naXa
- Bienvenue dans l'Ouest sauvage.Welcome to the Wild West.This sentence uses sauvage as part of the proper name for the Wild West.Tatoeba #1074484 by sacredceltic, translation #1073857 by Mofli
- La nature sauvageWild nature
- Un animal sauvageA wild animal
- Un comportement sauvageWild behavior
- Un esprit indomptéA wild spirit
- Une nature indomptéeUntamed nature
- Une bête féroceA wild beast
- C'est dingue !That's wild/crazy!
- Il/Elle est dingue !He/She is wild/crazy!
- Une soirée dingue !A wild/crazy party!
- Une idée folleA wild idea
- 55 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nathan and Manon are looking at a nature documentary on TV.
- NathanRegarde ces animaux sauvages dans la forêt.Look at those wild animals in the forest.
- ManonIls ont l'air vraiment impressionnants, Nathan.They look truly impressive, Nathan.
- NathanLa nature sauvage est magnifique.Wild nature is magnificent.
- ManonOui, mais c'est aussi un peu dangereux.Yes, but it is also a little dangerous.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “wild” translations and entries sauvage, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries sauvage, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
