This month we are visiting the zoo en français. In order to make the most of this event, we have prepared a list of French zoo vocabulary. This can be a great resource for a family game; make some flash cards and have fun!

Let’s start off simple: zoo is the same word in French but with a different pronunciation ZOO

Noms

Des singes

Monkeys

Guépard

Cheetah

Un refuge

Shelter

Un enclos

Enclosure, paddock

Des serpents

Snakes

Des mammifères

Mammals

Sauvage

Wild

Une marre

Pond

Le gardien

Zookeeper

Le guichet

Ticket office

La volière

Aviary

Espèces

Species

Un loup

Wolf

La queue

Tail

La trompe de l’éléphant

Elephant’s trunk

Les ailes

Wings

Ours blanc

Polar bear

Barrières

Fences

Verbes

Rugir

To roar

Barrir

To trumpet

Grogner

To growl

Ramper

To crawl

Voler

To fly

Sauter

To jump

Nager

To swim

Courir

To run

Adjectives

Rayé

Striped

Gros

Big

Grand

Tall

Petit

Small

Tacheté

Spotted

Doux

Soft, smooth

Poilu

Furry

À plumes

Feathered

Rugueux

Rough

Lisse

Slick

Words that are similar in French and English:

Des animaux/Animals
Un animal/Animal
Un reptile/Reptile
Un(e) vétérinaire/Vet
Un(e) guide / Guide
La jungle/Jungle
Le vivarium/Vivarium
Une cage/Cage
La savane/Savanna

*Note that a lot of wild animals are recognizably similar in English and In French: Eléphant, Lion, Tigre, Gorille, Girafe, Zèbre, Panda, Kangourou, Panthère, Hippopotame, Rhinocéros...

Do you like visiting zoos? What’s your favorite animal? Mine are chevaux (horses).




clemence

Clémence Bary-Boloré

Cultural Programs Manager / Office Manager

Clémence has a Master’s degree in Cultural Projects Management. She worked in Paris for several years for theater companies. She likes discovering new cultures, people and places, which is why she crossed the ocean to start a new experience in Boston. She is glad to be part of the French Library to promote French culture and language. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, hiking, kayaking and all forms of art!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related Posts

Five Francophone Teams to Keep an Eye on for the World Cup

There are many stereotypes about Brazilians that I don't fit into: I can't dance samba, I'm not from Rio de Janeiro, and caipirinhas are not…

Read More

A French Painter in Boston: The Art of Slowing Down

When I stand in front of a canvas in my Boston studio, my hand often reaches for color before my mind reaches for words. Again…

Read More

Tips for Adjusting to Moving Abroad (Specifically to Life in Paris!) 

In August, I left my position at the French Library and moved to Paris to pursue a master’s degree in Digital Marketing and Data Analysis.…

Read More

Upcoming Events

Thursday, June 18, 2026

Join us for our Pictionary night! Test your knowledge of French vocabulary as well as your drawing skills with this fun and laid-back evening!

Read More
Thursday, June 18, 2026

As Paris stands on the brink of destruction in August 1944, a single overnight conversation between a German general and a Swedish diplomat may determine the fate of the city.

Read More
Friday, June 19, 2026

Join us for a special Juneteenth celebration exploring the rich artistic and cultural contributions of Haitian artists in New England through a panel discussion, exhibition, and book signing.

Read More