zèbre
/zɛbʁ/masculine
The French word for zebra is zèbre.
zèbre is used to refer to the African striped animal.
Meaning: African animal (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
zèbre is a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/zɛbʁ/
Did you know?
- In modern French psychology and education, un zèbre is a common term for a person with a high IQ or a 'gifted' profile.
- In French slang, a 'zèbre' can refer to a person who is unpredictable or behaves in an eccentric, wild manner.
- The French word zèbre is a direct borrow from the Portuguese word 'zebra', which likely originated from a term for a striped fish or a maritime pattern.
Examples in context
- C'est un zèbre ?Is that a zebra?This sentence is useful for asking if an animal is a zèbre.Tatoeba #10756112 by TheSnail, translation #6011538 by zumley
- J'ai vu un zèbre au zoo.I saw a zebra at the zoo.This sentence is useful for stating that you saw a zèbre at the zoo.Tatoeba #9760333 by lbdx, translation #9183164 by CK
- J'ai fait un rêve avec un zèbre.I had a dream about a zebra.This sentence is useful for describing a dream involving a zèbre.Tatoeba #11953585 by zogwarg, translation #10118077 by CK
- Les zoologistes étudient les zèbres depuis de nombreuses années.Zoologists have been studying zebras for many years.
- Les rayures noires et blanches du zèbre lui permettent de se camoufler dans son environnement.The black and white stripes of the zebra help it blend into its surroundings.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gabriel and Léa are at the zoo looking at the animals.
- GabrielRegarde ce zèbre, Léa !Look at this zebra, Léa!
- LéaOh, il est magnifique.Oh, it is magnificent.
- GabrielEst-ce qu'il est seul ?Is he alone?
- LéaNon, il cherche ses amis.No, he is looking for his friends.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “zebra” translations and entries zèbre, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries zèbre, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
