You might already know this word in English: dinosaur! In French, it's very similar: dinosaure. A dinosaure was a very big animal that lived a long, long time ago. We often see them in movies and books. So, if you're talking about those ancient, giant reptiles, you can use dinosaure in French!
When we talk about 'dinosaure' in a C1 context, we can expand beyond just the literal meaning. While it certainly refers to the ancient reptile, 'un dinosaure' can also be used figuratively in French, similar to English.
For instance, you might hear someone describe an outdated idea, an old-fashioned person, or a technology that's no longer relevant as 'un dinosaure'. It implies something that is past its prime, slow to adapt, or simply obsolete.
So, a company struggling to innovate might be called 'une entreprise dinosaure', or a politician with very traditional views could be seen as 'un homme politique dinosaure'.
Understanding this figurative use adds a layer of nuance to your comprehension and allows for more sophisticated expression in French.
dinosaure in 30 Seconds
- Large prehistoric reptile
- Extinct animal
- Known from fossils
Pronunciation Guide
- Mispronouncing the 'au' as in 'auto' rather than 'o' as in 'door'.
Often Confused With
This is a direct cognate and generally not confusing for English speakers. It means 'dinosaur'.
Often confused with 'librairie'. 'Bibliothèque' is a library (where you borrow books).
Often confused with 'attendre'. 'Assister à' means to attend (be present at).
Easily Confused
Sounds like 'actually' but means 'currently'.
'Actuellement' refers to something happening in the present, while 'actually' in English means 'in reality' or 'in fact'.
Actuellement, je lis un livre. (Currently, I am reading a book.)
Sounds like 'sensible' but means 'sensitive'.
'Sensible' in French describes someone easily affected emotionally or physically. 'Sensible' in English means practical or reasonable.
Elle est très sensible au froid. (She is very sensitive to the cold.)
Sounds like 'library' but means 'bookstore'.
A 'librairie' is where you buy books. A 'library' (place to borrow books) in French is 'bibliothèque'.
J'achète mes livres à la librairie. (I buy my books at the bookstore.)
Similar to 'jour' but used differently.
'Jour' is the general word for 'day' (e.g., 'good day'). 'Journée' refers to the duration or experience of the day, often with an emphasis on its content or quality.
J'ai passé une bonne journée. (I had a good day.)
Sounds like 'attend' but means 'to wait'.
'Attendre' means to wait for something or someone. 'To attend' (be present at) in French is 'assister à'.
J'attends le bus. (I am waiting for the bus.)
How to Use It
Dinosaure is a masculine noun in French. So you'll say un dinosaure (a dinosaur) or le dinosaure (the dinosaur). If you're talking about more than one, it's des dinosaures or les dinosaures.
A common mistake is using the feminine article 'une' or 'la' with 'dinosaure'. Remember, it's always masculine: un dinosaure, not une dinosaure.
Test Yourself 6 questions
Quel est l'animal préhistorique souvent grand?
Un dinosaure est un grand reptile préhistorique.
Les dinosaures vivaient à quelle époque?
Les dinosaures ont vécu pendant l'ère Mésozoïque.
Un dinosaure est un type de...
Les dinosaures sont des reptiles fossiles.
Un dinosaure est un petit animal de compagnie.
Non, un dinosaure était souvent de très grande taille, pas un animal de compagnie.
Les dinosaures existent encore aujourd'hui.
Non, les dinosaures ont disparu il y a très longtemps.
On peut voir des squelettes de dinosaures dans les musées.
Oui, les musées exposent souvent des squelettes de dinosaures.
/ 6 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
Dinosaure refers to a large, extinct reptile that lived millions of years ago.
- Large prehistoric reptile
- Extinct animal
- Known from fossils
Related Content
More nature words
à ciel ouvert
B1Open-air, under the open sky.
à fleur d'eau
B1At water level; just above the surface of the water.
à l'abri de
B1Sheltered from; safe from.
à l'approche de
B1As (something) approaches; nearing.
à l'aube
B1At dawn; at the very beginning of the day.
à l'écart de
B1Away from; apart from.
à l'état sauvage
B1In the wild; in an untamed state.
à l'extérieur de
A2Outside of.
à l'intérieur de
A2Inside of; within.
à pas lents
B1At a slow pace.
