singe
/sɛ̃ʒ/masculine
The French word for monkey is singe. Wiktionary also lists guenon.
Meaning: primate (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| singe | /sɛ̃ʒ/ | masculine |
| guenon | /ɡə.nɔ̃/ | feminine |
The word singe refers to a primate. Figuratively, it can be used to describe someone who is acting silly or imitating others, similar to the English usage.
Which one should you use?
While singe is the general term for a monkey, guenon specifically refers to a female monkey. Additionally, ouistiti is used to refer to a small monkey or a marmoset.
How do you pronounce it?
/sɛ̃ʒ/
Did you know?
- While singe is the standard term, the word guenon is almost never used in modern conversation to refer to female primates, as it has taken on a highly derogatory and archaic meaning for women.
- The phrase singe savant refers to a 'learned monkey', often used to describe a person who repeats things without actually understanding them.
- The word ouistiti is an onomatopoeic name. It is intended to mimic the high-pitched, repetitive sounds that these small primates make in the wild.
Examples in context
- Il imite un singe.He is imitating a monkey.This sentence is useful for showing how to use singe to describe imitation.Tatoeba #11943475 by lbdx, translation #6703971 by Micsmithel
- Il a l'air d'un singe.He looks like a monkey.This sentence is useful for using singe to describe someone's appearance.Tatoeba #1958209 by sacredceltic, translation #1955967 by Spamster
- As-tu déjà vu un singe ?Have you ever seen a monkey?This sentence is useful for asking if someone has ever seen a singe.Tatoeba #1505410 by martin9, translation #2940756 by Hakaku
- Qu'est-ce que ce singe est marrant!That monkey is so funny!
- 45 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Chloé and Gabriel are visiting the zoo.
- ChloéRegarde Gabriel, le singe mange une banane !Look Gabriel, the monkey is eating a banana!
- GabrielIl est vraiment très drôle.He is really very funny.
- ChloéJe pense que c'est un petit singe.I think it is a small monkey.
- GabrielOui, il est tout petit.Yes, he is very small.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “monkey” translations and entries singe, guenon, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
