hululer em 30 segundos
- <strong>Hululer</strong>: To hoot like an owl.
- Onomatopoeic verb for owl sounds.
- Primarily used for owls; rare figurative use.
- Regular -er verb conjugation.
The French verb hululer is a rather specific word, primarily used to describe the distinctive sound made by owls. It's an onomatopoeic word, meaning it sounds like the noise it describes. While owls are the most common association, in a more figurative or literary sense, it can sometimes be used to describe a mournful or prolonged cry, though this is much rarer and less common than its primary meaning.
- Primary Meaning
- To make the characteristic hooting sound of an owl.
- Figurative Use (Rare)
- To cry or wail in a mournful, prolonged manner.
The owl began to hululer in the dark forest.
In everyday French conversation, hululer is not a word you will encounter frequently unless you are discussing wildlife, particularly owls, or perhaps in children's stories where animal sounds are often described. It's a word that evokes a specific auditory image. Imagine a quiet, moonlit night, the rustling of leaves, and then the deep, resonant sound of an owl. That sound is what hululer captures. While other birds sing or chirp, owls hoot, and in French, their hoot is described as hululer. The verb is simple in its conjugation, following the regular -er verb pattern, making it accessible for learners once they understand its specific meaning. It’s a word that adds a touch of nature and a bit of mystery to the language.
During the night, we heard an owl hululer.
- Contextual Usage
- Nature documentaries, wildlife discussions, children's books, poetry, and sometimes in literary descriptions of nocturnal sounds.
Using hululer in a sentence is straightforward, especially when referring to owls. As a regular -er verb, it conjugates like many other common French verbs. The present tense is the most likely form you'll encounter or use. For example, 'L'hibou hulule' means 'The owl hoots.' You can also use it in different tenses to describe past or future actions. 'Nous avons entendu un hibou hululer la nuit dernière' translates to 'We heard an owl hooting last night.' The past participle, hululé, is used with auxiliary verbs like avoir to form compound tenses, such as the passé composé.
The nocturnal bird started to hululer.
- Present Tense Conjugation
- Je hulule, Tu hulules, Il/Elle/On hulule, Nous hululons, Vous hululez, Ils/Elles hululent.
- Past Participle
- Hululé (used with 'avoir' for passé composé).
When constructing sentences, remember that hululer is an intransitive verb, meaning it does not take a direct object. It describes an action performed by the subject. The subject is typically an owl (un hibou, une chouette) or sometimes, in a more poetic context, something that makes a similar sound. You can add adverbs to describe how the owl hoots, such as 'doucement' (softly) or 'fortement' (loudly). The key is to associate the verb with the sound of an owl. For instance, 'Le hibou hulule dans la nuit' (The owl hoots in the night) is a standard and correct usage.
We heard the owl hululer from afar.
The context for hululer is almost always related to the natural world, specifically the sounds of owls. It’s a descriptive verb that paints a clear picture for the listener or reader. When you see this verb, think of the specific sound of an owl's call. It's not just any sound; it's a 'hoo-hoo' that echoes in the quiet of the night. This makes it a useful verb for setting a scene in literature or for conveying information in a nature-focused context. The simplicity of its conjugation makes it easy to integrate into sentences once you grasp its core meaning.
The verb hululer is most commonly encountered in contexts related to nature and wildlife. If you are watching a French documentary about nocturnal animals, reading a children's book about forest creatures, or perhaps browsing a scientific text about ornithology, you are likely to come across hululer. It's the precise term used to describe the sound an owl makes. Think of the typical 'hoo-hoo' sound that owls produce; in French, that sound is described as hululer.
The sound of the owl hululer was eerie.
- Primary Domains
- Nature, Wildlife, Zoology, Children's Literature, Poetry.
- Specific Examples
- 'J'ai entendu un hibou hululer dans la forêt.' (I heard an owl hoot in the forest.) 'Le livre décrivait le son du hibou qui hululait.' (The book described the sound of the owl hooting.)
While its primary use is for owls, in very rare and literary contexts, you might find it used to describe a mournful or prolonged cry, similar to a wail. However, this figurative usage is not common in everyday conversation. The vast majority of the time, hululer is about owls. You might hear it in descriptions of a quiet night in the countryside, where the sound of nature is being highlighted. It's a verb that adds a specific auditory detail to a scene. For example, a writer might use it to create atmosphere: 'La nuit était silencieuse, seulement rompue par le hululer d'un hibou.' (The night was silent, only broken by the hooting of an owl.)
The sound of the owl hululer echoed through the valley.
In summary, if you're learning French and want to talk about animals, hululer is your go-to verb for the sound of owls. It’s a specific and descriptive word that, while not used daily by everyone, is essential for anyone interested in the natural world or engaging with French literature that touches upon it. You'll find it in educational materials and descriptive writing, adding a precise auditory detail.
One of the most common mistakes learners make with hululer is confusing it with other verbs that describe animal sounds. For instance, a beginner might mistakenly use hululer for a dog barking (aboyer) or a cat meowing (miauler). It's crucial to remember that hululer is almost exclusively reserved for the sound of owls. If you hear a different animal sound, you need a different verb.
Incorrect: Le chien hulule. (The dog hoots.)
Correct: Le chien aboie. (The dog barks.)
- Mistake 1: Generalizing Animal Sounds
- Using hululer for any animal sound instead of specifically for owls. French, like English, has distinct verbs for different animal vocalizations.
- Mistake 2: Incorrect Conjugation
- While hululer is a regular -er verb, learners might misconjugate it, especially in less common tenses. Always double-check the endings for different persons and times.
Another potential pitfall is the rare figurative use. While hululer can sometimes describe a mournful cry, using it in this way without strong literary context can sound awkward or incorrect. Stick to its primary meaning related to owls unless you are very confident in your understanding of French literary nuances. For beginners and intermediate learners, it's best to use hululer only for owls.
Incorrect (in most contexts): Elle hulule de tristesse. (She hoots with sadness.)
Better: Elle pleure / gémit. (She cries / moans.)
Finally, some learners might try to use hululer as a transitive verb (taking a direct object), which is incorrect. Hululer is an intransitive verb. You don't 'hululer something'; an owl simply 'hulule'. For example, you would say 'L'hibou hulule' (The owl hoots), not 'L'hibou hulule le son' (The owl hoots the sound). Mastering the intransitive nature of the verb will prevent grammatical errors.
When discussing sounds, especially animal sounds, French offers a variety of verbs. For owls, hululer is the most specific and appropriate term. However, if you are describing other animal noises, you would use different verbs. For instance, a dog barks with aboyer, a cat meows with miauler, a bird sings with chanter, and a cow moos with mugir. The key is specificity.
Owl: L'hibou hulule.
Dog: Le chien aboie.
- Similar Animal Sound Verbs
- Aboyer (to bark), Miauler (to meow), Chanter (to sing - for birds), Coasser (to croak - for frogs), Bêler (to bleat - for sheep), Rugir (to roar - for lions), Mugir (to moo - for cows).
- General Sound Verbs
- Faire du bruit (to make noise), Sonner (to ring/sound - for objects), Crier (to shout/scream - for humans).
In rare, more literary or poetic contexts, hululer might be used figuratively to describe a prolonged, mournful cry. In such cases, alternative verbs to describe human distress might include gémir (to moan), pleurer (to cry), or se lamenter (to lament). However, these are distinct from the primary meaning of hululer.
Figurative use (rare): Le vent hululait dans les arbres. (The wind was hooting/wailing in the trees.)
More common: Le vent sifflait / hurlait. (The wind was whistling / howling.)
It is important to note that while hululer is the standard for owls, the specific sound can vary slightly between different species of owls, but hululer remains the general verb used in French to encompass these sounds. Unlike English where we might say 'hoot' or 'screech' for different owls, French generally sticks to hululer for the characteristic owl sound.
How Formal Is It?
Curiosidade
Many languages have onomatopoeic words for owl sounds. For example, in English, it's 'hoot'. In German, it's 'uhu' (which also refers to the eagle-owl). The French 'hululer' is a direct imitation of this characteristic sound.
Guia de pronúncia
- Pronouncing the 'h': The 'h' in French is generally silent, so 'hululer' should be pronounced without an initial 'h' sound.
- Incorrect 'u' sound: The French 'u' is a specific vowel sound that differs from English 'u' or 'oo'. It requires lip rounding.
- Over-pronouncing the final 'e': The final 'er' sound in 'hululer' is not strongly stressed and should be a soft, unstressed vowel.
- Confusing with English 'howl': The sound is similar to 'howl' but the French pronunciation, especially the 'u', is distinct.
Nível de dificuldade
At A1-A2 levels, reading difficulty is low due to the specific context and simple sentence structures. At B1+, the difficulty increases slightly if figurative uses or more complex sentence structures are encountered.
Easy to use correctly in simple sentences (A1-A2). Becomes slightly more challenging with figurative uses or complex tenses (B1+).
Easy to recall and use for its primary meaning (A1-A2). Using it spontaneously in conversation requires some practice.
Easy to recognize when related to owls, especially in controlled audio environments (A1-A2). More challenging if figurative uses or faint sounds are involved (B1+).
O que aprender depois
Pré-requisitos
Aprenda a seguir
Avançado
Gramática essencial
Conjugation of regular -er verbs
Like 'parler' (to speak), 'aimer' (to like), 'manger' (to eat), 'hululer' follows the pattern: je hulule, tu hulules, il/elle/on hulule, nous hululons, vous hululez, ils/elles hululent.
Using the infinitive after verbs of perception
Verbs like 'voir' (to see), 'entendre' (to hear), 'écouter' (to listen) are often followed by an infinitive. Ex: J'entends le hibou hululer. (I hear the owl hooting.)
Nominalization of infinitives
The infinitive can sometimes be used as a noun. Ex: Le hululer du hibou est étrange. (The hooting of the owl is strange.)
The use of 'que' with the subjunctive
Expressions of doubt, necessity, or emotion often require the subjunctive mood after 'que'. Ex: Il est possible qu'il hulule. (It is possible that it hoots.)
Figurative language and literary uses
Verbs can be used metaphorically. Ex: Le vent hulule (The wind howls/wails), extending the meaning beyond the literal owl sound.
Exemplos por nível
L'hibou hulule.
The owl hoots.
Present tense of a regular -er verb.
J'entends un hibou hululer.
I hear an owl hooting.
Infinitive after 'entendre'.
Le hibou hulule dans la nuit.
The owl hoots in the night.
Simple sentence with subject, verb, and adverbial phrase.
Le son est hululer.
The sound is a hoot.
Using the infinitive as a noun substitute.
Hibou hulule.
Owl hoots.
Short, declarative statement.
J'aime le son du hibou qui hulule.
I like the sound of the owl that hoots.
Relative clause 'qui + verb'.
L'oiseau hulule.
The bird hoots.
Generalizing the subject to 'bird' (implying owl).
La nuit, le hibou hulule.
At night, the owl hoots.
Adverbial phrase of time at the beginning.
Hier soir, j'ai entendu un hibou hululer dans le jardin.
Last night, I heard an owl hooting in the garden.
Passé composé with 'entendre' + infinitive.
Les hiboux hululent souvent la nuit.
Owls often hoot at night.
Plural subject and present tense.
Quand il fait sombre, on peut entendre les hiboux hululer.
When it's dark, one can hear owls hooting.
'On peut' + infinitive construction.
Le son qu'il fait s'appelle hululer.
The sound it makes is called hooting.
Using the infinitive to describe a sound.
Je pense que cet oiseau est un hibou parce qu'il hulule.
I think this bird is an owl because it hoots.
Subordinate clause with 'parce que'.
Est-ce que tu as déjà entendu un hibou hululer ?
Have you ever heard an owl hoot?
Question using passé composé.
Le hibou hululait doucement dans le grand chêne.
The owl was hooting softly in the big oak tree.
Imparfait tense to describe an ongoing action in the past.
Le chant du hibou est un hululer.
The owl's song is a hooting.
Using 'hululer' as a noun substitute for the sound.
La nuit tombait, et le son distinctif d'un hibou qui hululait résonnait dans la forêt.
Night was falling, and the distinctive sound of a hooting owl echoed in the forest.
Imparfait for background description, present participle 'qui hululait'.
Les enfants étaient fascinés par le hibou qui hululait si fort.
The children were fascinated by the owl that was hooting so loudly.
Relative clause with imparfait.
On raconte que le hululer du hibou porte malheur.
It is said that the hooting of the owl brings bad luck.
Using 'hululer' as a noun (nominalization).
Il a appris à imiter le cri du hibou pour mieux l'attirer, mais il ne savait pas hululer.
He learned to imitate the owl's cry to attract it better, but he didn't know how to hoot.
Infinitive after 'savoir'.
Dans ce conte, le hibou hulule pour guider le héros perdu.
In this tale, the owl hoots to guide the lost hero.
Present tense for narrative storytelling.
Le vent semblait hululer à travers les branches dénudées, créant une atmosphère inquiétante.
The wind seemed to hoot/wail through the bare branches, creating a disturbing atmosphere.
Figurative use of 'hululer' with 'sembler'.
Pendant la randonnée nocturne, le seul bruit que nous entendions était le hululer régulier des hiboux.
During the night hike, the only sound we heard was the regular hooting of the owls.
Nominalization of 'hululer'.
Si tu veux observer les hiboux, il faut être silencieux et attendre qu'ils hululent.
If you want to observe owls, you must be silent and wait for them to hoot.
Subjunctive after 'attendre que'.
L'ornithologue décrivait avec précision le hululer des différentes espèces de hiboux, chacune ayant une tonalité unique.
The ornithologist described with precision the hooting of different owl species, each having a unique tone.
Nominalization of 'hululer' and descriptive language.
La symphonie nocturne de la forêt était ponctuée par le hululer mélancolique des chouettes.
The nocturnal symphony of the forest was punctuated by the melancholic hooting of the owls.
Figurative language, descriptive adjectives.
Il est possible que le vent, en s'engouffrant dans les crevasses de la montagne, produise un son évoquant le hululer d'un oiseau.
It is possible that the wind, rushing into the mountain's crevices, produces a sound evoking the hooting of a bird.
Subjunctive with 'il est possible que', figurative use.
Les récits anciens mentionnent parfois le hululer d'un hibou comme présage.
Ancient tales sometimes mention the hooting of an owl as an omen.
Nominalization, historical context.
L'écho de son cri, qui semblait hululer dans le vide, rappelait la solitude de la contrée.
The echo of his cry, which seemed to hoot/wail in the void, recalled the solitude of the region.
Figurative use, descriptive phrasing.
Pour étudier le comportement des hiboux, les chercheurs ont passé des semaines à enregistrer chaque fois qu'ils hululaient.
To study owl behavior, researchers spent weeks recording every time they hooted.
Infinitive of purpose, passé composé, imparfait.
Le silence de la nuit n'était rompu que par le hululer intermittent d'un rapace nocturne.
The silence of the night was broken only by the intermittent hooting of a nocturnal bird of prey.
Nominalization, descriptive vocabulary.
Il est rare qu'un hibou hulule pendant la journée, leur activité étant principalement nocturne.
It is rare for an owl to hoot during the day, their activity being primarily nocturnal.
Subjunctive after 'il est rare que', gerund phrase.
Dans la pénombre de la clairière, le hululer profond et résonnant du grand-duc semblait sculpter le silence de la nuit.
In the dim light of the clearing, the deep and resonant hooting of the eagle-owl seemed to sculpt the silence of the night.
Sophisticated vocabulary, figurative language ('sculpter le silence'), nominalization.
L'atmosphère du roman était empreinte d'une mélancolie palpable, accentuée par le hululer lointain des hiboux, qui agissait comme un leitmotiv sonore.
The atmosphere of the novel was imbued with a palpable melancholy, accentuated by the distant hooting of the owls, which acted as a sonic leitmotif.
Abstract concepts, literary analysis, nominalization.
Il est des sons qui, par leur caractère onomatopéique, évoquent immédiatement une image mentale, tel le hululer du hibou, synonyme de mystère nocturne.
There are sounds that, by their onomatopoeic nature, immediately evoke a mental image, such as the hooting of the owl, synonymous with nocturnal mystery.
Philosophical reflection on language, nominalization, abstract noun.
La description du vent, non pas hurlant mais hululant, conférait au paysage une dimension presque surnaturelle, comme si la nature elle-même exprimait une forme de chagrin.
The description of the wind, not howling but hooting/wailing, gave the landscape an almost supernatural dimension, as if nature itself were expressing a form of sorrow.
Figurative use, comparison, personification.
Les contes et légendes associent souvent le hululer d'un hibou à des présages, bons ou mauvais, témoignant de sa place symbolique dans l'imaginaire collectif.
Tales and legends often associate the hooting of an owl with omens, good or bad, testifying to its symbolic place in the collective imagination.
Cultural context, symbolic interpretation, nominalization.
L'étude acoustique visait à distinguer les variations subtiles du hululer entre les espèces, révélant des marqueurs de communication spécifiques.
The acoustic study aimed to distinguish the subtle variations in hooting between species, revealing specific communication markers.
Scientific vocabulary, nominalization, abstract concepts.
Il est rare qu'un compositeur utilise le terme hululer pour décrire une mélodie, préférant des termes plus généraux pour la musique.
It is rare for a composer to use the term 'to hoot' to describe a melody, preferring more general terms for music.
Linguistic analysis of usage, comparison with artistic domains.
La nuit, le hululer du hibou peut parfois être interprété comme un appel ou un avertissement, selon les croyances locales.
At night, the owl's hooting can sometimes be interpreted as a call or a warning, depending on local beliefs.
Interpretation, cultural beliefs, nominalization.
Le hululer, ce cri onomatopéique du nocturne strigiforme, transcende la simple description sonore pour devenir un archétype du mystère et de la sagesse ancestrale.
Hooting, this onomatopoeic cry of the nocturnal strigiform, transcends simple sonic description to become an archetype of mystery and ancestral wisdom.
Highly specialized vocabulary (strigiforme), abstract concepts, literary analysis.
L'analyse comparative des vocalisations révèle que le hululer, bien que semblant uniforme au profane, recèle des variations dialectales fines, trahissant des structures sociales complexes au sein des populations de hiboux.
Comparative analysis of vocalizations reveals that hooting, although seemingly uniform to the layman, contains fine dialectal variations, betraying complex social structures within owl populations.
Scientific jargon, complex sentence structure, nuanced interpretation.
Dans la poésie symboliste, le hululer n'est pas tant un son qu'une résonance existentielle, un écho de la solitude universelle.
In Symbolist poetry, hooting is not so much a sound as an existential resonance, an echo of universal solitude.
Literary criticism, abstract philosophical concepts, metaphorical usage.
L'usage figuré du verbe hululer pour décrire un son venté ou lamentable, bien que rare, témoigne de la plasticité sémantique du lexique français, permettant d'étendre le champ d'application d'un terme initialement lié à la faune.
The figurative use of the verb 'to hoot' to describe a windy or lamentable sound, although rare, testifies to the semantic plasticity of the French lexicon, allowing the scope of a term initially linked to fauna to be extended.
Linguistic analysis, semantic evolution, abstract discussion of language.
La perception culturelle du hululer varie considérablement, passant de symbole de sagesse dans certaines traditions à présage funeste dans d'autres, illustrant la nature subjective de l'interprétation sonore.
The cultural perception of hooting varies considerably, moving from a symbol of wisdom in some traditions to a dire omen in others, illustrating the subjective nature of sonic interpretation.
Anthropological and cultural analysis, comparative study.
Au-delà de l'onomatopée, le hululer authentique d'un hibou encode une richesse d'informations sur l'individu, son environnement et son état émotionnel, une forme de langage subtil que seuls les experts peuvent déchiffrer.
Beyond the onomatopoeia, the authentic hooting of an owl encodes a wealth of information about the individual, its environment, and its emotional state, a form of subtle language that only experts can decipher.
Scientific detail, information theory, complex communication systems.
Le hululer, par sa nature répétitive et modulée, peut induire chez l'auditeur une forme de transe ou de méditation, transformant un simple son animal en une expérience quasi-spirituelle.
Hooting, by its repetitive and modulated nature, can induce a form of trance or meditation in the listener, transforming a simple animal sound into an almost spiritual experience.
Psychological and spiritual interpretation of sound.
L'analyse spectrographique du hululer révèle des fréquences et des harmoniques qui, bien que non consciemment perçues par l'homme, peuvent influencer son état psychologique.
Spectrographic analysis of hooting reveals frequencies and harmonics that, while not consciously perceived by humans, can influence their psychological state.
Advanced scientific analysis, psychoacoustics.
Colocações comuns
Frases Comuns
— This is the most direct and common phrase, stating that an owl is hooting.
Le hibou hulule. C'est un son de nuit.
— This phrase means to hear an owl making its hooting sound.
J'ai entendu le hibou hululer près de ma fenêtre.
— This refers to the sound itself, the hoot of an owl. It uses the infinitive as a noun.
Le son de hululer est unique aux hiboux.
— This describes an owl that is currently hooting, using a relative clause.
J'ai vu un hibou qui hulule dans l'arbre.
— This is a more poetic or general phrase referring to the hooting sound made by nocturnal birds, specifically owls.
Le hululer des nocturnes remplit l'air de mystère.
— This is a rare, figurative use, describing the wind making a sound similar to an owl's hoot, often implying a mournful or eerie sound.
Le vent hulule sur la montagne déserte.
— A simple statement expressing the auditory experience of hearing an owl's hoot.
J'entends un hibou hululer. Il doit être tard.
— This uses the imparfait tense to describe an ongoing action in the past - the owl was hooting in the dark.
Le hibou hululait dans le noir quand nous sommes arrivés.
— This phrase uses the nominalized infinitive to describe the hooting sound of an owl as strange.
Le hululer du hibou est étrange mais fascinant.
— This comparative phrase means 'He hoots like an owl,' used either literally for an owl or figuratively for a person making a similar sound.
L'enfant hulule comme un hibou quand il est fatigué.
Frequentemente confundido com
This is a noun meaning a scatterbrained or eccentric person. It sounds somewhat similar but has a completely different meaning and usage. 'Hululer' is a verb about owls.
'Hurler' means to howl or scream, typically used for humans or animals in great distress (like a wolf howling). While both describe loud sounds, 'hurler' is more general and often implies pain or anger, whereas 'hululer' is specific to the owl's call.
This is an older, less common synonym for 'hululer', also referring to the owl's hoot. It's more likely to be encountered in literary or historical texts.
Expressões idiomáticas
— Literally, to hoot like an owl. Figuratively, it can sometimes be used to describe someone making a similar mournful or peculiar sound, especially if they are tired or upset. However, this is not a very common idiom.
Il était si fatigué qu'il a commencé à hululer comme un hibou.
Informal/Figurative— This is a highly figurative and poetic expression, comparing the sound of an owl's hoot to the tolling of a death knell. It evokes a sense of foreboding or finality.
Dans le silence glacial, le hululer du glas semblait annoncer la fin.
Literary/Poetic— This idiom refers to hearing the owl's hoot at midnight, often associated with mystery, the supernatural, or a significant moment in time. It's more about the timing and atmosphere than the sound itself.
On dit que si tu entends le hululer de minuit, un secret sera révélé.
Folklore/Literary— This describes a cry or sound that is prolonged, mournful, and perhaps a bit eerie, reminiscent of an owl's hoot. It's used to convey a specific emotional tone.
Son cri de détresse était un son qui hulule dans la vallée.
Literary— As mentioned before, this is a figurative use for the wind making a mournful, wailing sound, similar to an owl's hoot. It's used to describe harsh, eerie weather.
La tempête a fait que le vent hulule toute la nuit.
Literary/Descriptive— This is a very rare and unusual figurative idiom. It implies an extreme expression of emotion that is so intense it becomes a peculiar, perhaps involuntary sound, likened to an owl's hoot. It's not a standard idiom and would be understood more as a poetic embellishment.
Il a éclaté dans un rire qui semblait hululer de joie.
Highly Literary/Uncommon— This idiom associates the owl's hoot with wisdom, drawing on the common symbolism of owls as wise creatures. The 'sound of wisdom' is personified by the owl's call.
Dans le silence de la bibliothèque, on pouvait presque entendre le hululer de la sagesse.
Symbolic/Literary— This is a paradoxical phrase, combining a soft sound ('murmure') with a distinct sound ('hululer'). It might be used to describe a subtle, yet unsettling or mysterious sound that carries a deeper implication.
Dans le vieux manoir, un murmure qui hulule semblait raconter des secrets oubliés.
Literary/Mysterious— This is a descriptive phrase that emphasizes the mournful aspect of an owl's cry, using 'plainte' (lament/complaint) and 'hululer' together to create a strong image of sorrow.
La plainte du hibou hulule, ajoutant à la tristesse de la nuit.
Literary/Descriptive— This idiom describes a sound that is made but not heard or acknowledged, or a cry that goes unanswered. It conveys a sense of futility or isolation.
Ses avertissements semblaient hululer dans le vide, personne ne l'écoutait.
Figurative/ExpressiveFácil de confundir
Both verbs describe loud vocalizations, and their sounds are somewhat similar.
'Hurler' means to howl or scream, often associated with pain, anger, or great distress. It's a more general term for a loud, often unpleasant cry. 'Hululer', on the other hand, is specifically the distinctive 'hoo-hoo' sound made by owls. It's an onomatopoeic verb tied to a particular animal and its characteristic sound.
Le loup <strong>hurle</strong> à la lune. (The wolf howls at the moon.) Le hibou <strong>hulule</strong> dans la nuit. (The owl hoots in the night.)
Both are verbs related to sounds made by birds.
'Chanter' means 'to sing' and is used for birds that produce melodious or pleasant sounds, like a nightingale or a canary. 'Hululer' is specifically for the 'hoo-hoo' sound of an owl, which is not typically described as singing. They represent different categories of avian vocalizations.
Le merle <strong>chante</strong> le matin. (The blackbird sings in the morning.) Le hibou <strong>hulule</strong> la nuit. (The owl hoots at night.)
Both describe making a sound.
'Crier' means 'to cry out', 'to shout', or 'to scream'. It's a very general term for a loud vocalization, usually by humans or sometimes animals in distress. 'Hululer' is a specific onomatopoeic term for the owl's call, which is not usually considered a 'cri' in the sense of shouting or screaming.
L'enfant <strong>crie</strong> quand il a peur. (The child screams when he is scared.) Le hibou <strong>hulule</strong> doucement. (The owl hoots softly.)
Both verbs refer to the sound of an owl.
'Hucher' is an older, less common verb meaning 'to hoot' like an owl. 'Hululer' is the more modern and widely used term. While they are synonyms in this specific context, 'hululer' is preferred in contemporary French.
On entendait le hibou <strong>hucher</strong>. (One could hear the owl hooting.) vs. Le hibou <strong>hulule</strong>. (The owl hoots.)
Phonetic similarity.
'Hululer' is a verb meaning 'to hoot' (like an owl). 'Hurluberlu' is a noun meaning a scatterbrained, eccentric, or flighty person. They are completely different parts of speech and have unrelated meanings.
Le hibou <strong>hulule</strong>. (The owl hoots.) C'est un vrai <strong>hurluberlu</strong> ! (He's a real scatterbrain!)
Padrões de frases
Subject + hululer.
Le hibou <strong>hulule</strong>.
J'entends + Subject + hululer.
J'entends le hibou <strong>hululer</strong>.
Subject + passé composé (entendre) + infinitive.
J'ai entendu le hibou <strong>hululer</strong>.
Subject (plural) + hululer.
Les hiboux <strong>hululent</strong>.
Subject + imparfait + hululer.
Le hibou <strong>hululait</strong> dans la nuit.
Nominalization: Le hululer de + Subject.
Le <strong>hululer</strong> du hibou était fort.
Figurative use: Subject (non-owl) + hululer.
Le vent <strong>hulule</strong>.
Subjunctive after expressions of doubt/possibility.
Il est possible que le hibou <strong>hulule</strong>.
Família de palavras
Substantivos
Verbos
Relacionado
Como usar
Low to moderate. Not an everyday word for most speakers, but essential for its specific context.
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Using 'hululer' for other animal sounds.
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Only use 'hululer' for owls.
French has specific verbs for different animal sounds (e.g., 'aboyer' for dogs, 'miauler' for cats). 'Hululer' is exclusively for owls. Using it for other animals is incorrect.
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Pronouncing the 'h'.
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The 'h' is silent.
In French, the 'h' at the beginning of most words is silent. So, 'hululer' is pronounced starting with the 'u' sound, not an 'h'.
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Confusing 'hululer' with 'hurler'.
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'Hululer' for owls, 'hurler' for howling/screaming.
'Hululer' is specific to owls. 'Hurler' means to howl or scream, often indicating distress or anger, and is a more general term for loud cries.
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Incorrect conjugation, especially the 'u' sound.
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Conjugate like other -er verbs and pronounce the French 'u'.
While it follows regular -er verb conjugation, learners may struggle with the specific French 'u' sound. Practice is needed.
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Using 'hululer' figuratively without context.
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Use figuratively only in literary or poetic contexts.
While 'hululer' can sometimes describe mournful sounds (like wind), this is a rare literary use. Overusing it figuratively can sound awkward or incorrect in everyday conversation.
Dicas
Connect Sound to Image
When you learn 'hululer', immediately picture an owl. The 'hoo-hoo' sound is very distinctive, and associating it with the visual of an owl will make the word much easier to remember.
Master the French 'u'
The French 'u' sound in 'hululer' is crucial. Practice making this sound by rounding your lips tightly as if to say 'oo' but trying to pronounce 'ee'. This will help you pronounce the word correctly.
Stick to the Owl
For learners, it's best to use 'hululer' strictly for owls. While figurative uses exist, they are rare and can lead to confusion. Focus on its primary meaning first.
Listen for Nature
When watching French nature documentaries or listening to audiobooks about wildlife, pay attention to how animal sounds are described. This is where you'll most likely encounter 'hululer'.
Regular Verb Pattern
Remember that 'hululer' is a regular -er verb. Once you know how to conjugate other regular -er verbs (like 'parler' or 'aimer'), you can easily conjugate 'hululer' in different tenses.
Learn Related Terms
To better understand 'hululer', learn related words like 'hibou' (eagle-owl), 'chouette' (owl), 'nocturne' (nocturnal), and 'son' (sound).
Write Sentences
Actively write sentences using 'hululer', even if they are simple. For example: 'Le hibou hulule.' 'J'entends le hibou hululer.' This practice reinforces the word's usage.
Find Audio Examples
Search for audio clips of owls hooting and listen to how it's described in French. This will help you connect the auditory experience with the written word.
Note Literary Uses
Be aware that in literature, 'hululer' might be used metaphorically for wind or mournful sounds. However, prioritize understanding its literal meaning for owls first.
Contrast with 'Hurler'
Understand the clear distinction between 'hululer' (owl's hoot) and 'hurler' (to howl/scream). This differentiation is key to accurate usage.
Memorize
Mnemônico
Imagine an owl sitting on a branch, saying 'Hoo-hoo, I rule!' ('Hoo-hoo, je hulule!'). The 'rule' sound is close to 'hulule', and the owl is the creature that makes this sound.
Associação visual
Picture a big, round-eyed owl perched on a tree branch at night. As it opens its beak to make its sound, visualize the word 'hululer' appearing around its head, like a speech bubble.
Word Web
Desafio
Try to record yourself saying 'hululer' three times, focusing on the French 'u' sound and the silent 'h'. Then, try to make an owl sound and say 'Hululer!' after it.
Origem da palavra
The verb hululer is of onomatopoeic origin. It was created to imitate the sound made by owls. This is common in many languages, where specific animal sounds are given names that mimic the sound itself. It likely emerged in the French language to specifically describe the 'hoo-hoo' sound of owls.
Significado original: To make the sound of an owl's hoot.
Indo-European (Romance languages)Contexto cultural
The verb hululer itself is neutral. However, the owl and its sound can sometimes be associated with negative omens or fear in certain cultural contexts, particularly in older folklore. When using or encountering the word, be mindful of the surrounding context, which might imbue the sound with symbolic meaning.
In English, the sound of an owl is typically 'hoot'. The verb is 'to hoot'. The onomatopoeic nature is similar, but the specific sound and the verb differ.
Pratique na vida real
Contextos reais
Describing wildlife sounds.
- Le hibou hulule.
- J'entends un hibou hululer.
- Le son de hululer est caractéristique.
Setting a nocturnal scene in literature or stories.
- La nuit, le hibou hulule.
- Le hululer des chouettes dans la forêt.
- Un cri qui hulule.
Children's education about animals.
- Le hibou hulule pour dire bonne nuit.
- Comment fait le hibou ? Il hulule !
- Le son du hibou, c'est hululer.
Figurative descriptions of wind or mournful sounds (literary).
- Le vent hulule.
- Un son qui hulule.
- Le hululer du vent.
Scientific or ornithological discussions.
- Le hululer de cette espèce...
- Analyser le hululer.
Iniciadores de conversa
"Have you ever heard an owl hooting in the wild?"
"What is the French word for the sound an owl makes?"
"Can you describe the sound of an owl hooting?"
"In which situations might you hear the verb 'hululer' used?"
"Are there other animals whose sounds are described by onomatopoeic verbs in French?"
Temas para diário
Describe a time you heard an owl. What did it sound like, and how did the French verb 'hululer' fit that experience?
Imagine you are writing a story set in a forest at night. Use the verb 'hululer' to create atmosphere.
Compare and contrast the French verb 'hululer' with the English verb 'to hoot'. What are the similarities and differences?
Think about other animal sounds. What French verbs would you use to describe a dog barking, a cat meowing, or a bird singing?
Consider the symbolic meanings of owls in different cultures. How might the sound of an owl, described as 'hululer', contribute to these meanings?
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntas'Hululer' is a French verb that means to make the characteristic hooting sound of an owl. It's an onomatopoeic word, meaning it sounds like the noise it describes. So, when an owl hoots, it 'hulule'.
Primarily, 'hululer' is exclusively used for owls. French has specific verbs for other animal sounds, such as 'aboyer' for dogs, 'miauler' for cats, and 'chanter' for birds that sing. In rare literary contexts, it might be used figuratively for a mournful or wind-like sound, but its core meaning is tied to owls.
The 'h' is silent. The pronunciation is approximately /y.ly.le/. The 'u' is a distinct French vowel sound, made by rounding your lips as if to say 'oo' but trying to say 'ee' instead. The stress is on the final syllable, 'ler'.
'Hululer' specifically means to hoot like an owl. 'Hurler' means to howl or scream, usually implying distress, anger, or a very loud, general cry. Think of a wolf howling ('hurler') versus an owl hooting ('hululer').
Yes, the infinitive 'hululer' can be nominalized, meaning it can be used as a noun. For example, 'le hululer du hibou' means 'the hooting of the owl'. This refers to the sound itself.
You would most likely hear or read 'hululer' in contexts related to nature, wildlife, children's stories, or descriptive literature that aims to create a nocturnal atmosphere. For instance, 'Le hibou hulule dans la nuit.'
Yes, older or more literary synonyms include 'hucher' and 'huiter', which also refer to the sound of an owl. However, 'hululer' is the standard and most commonly used verb in modern French.
'Hululer' is a regular -er verb. Its present tense conjugation is: je hulule, tu hulules, il/elle/on hulule, nous hululons, vous hululez, ils/elles hululent. It follows the standard pattern for most -er verbs.
It's not an everyday word for most people unless they live in rural areas or are particularly interested in wildlife. It's more common in specific contexts like nature descriptions or children's content.
In French, the letter 'h' at the beginning of a word is usually silent. Therefore, 'hululer' is pronounced without an initial 'h' sound, starting directly with the 'u' vowel sound.
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Summary
The French verb <strong>hululer</strong> specifically describes the characteristic 'hoo-hoo' sound made by owls. It's an onomatopoeic word, meaning its sound imitates the noise it represents. While it's primarily used for owls, very rarely it can be used figuratively for a mournful cry. For learners, associating it directly with owls is the most important aspect.
- <strong>Hululer</strong>: To hoot like an owl.
- Onomatopoeic verb for owl sounds.
- Primarily used for owls; rare figurative use.
- Regular -er verb conjugation.
Connect Sound to Image
When you learn 'hululer', immediately picture an owl. The 'hoo-hoo' sound is very distinctive, and associating it with the visual of an owl will make the word much easier to remember.
Master the French 'u'
The French 'u' sound in 'hululer' is crucial. Practice making this sound by rounding your lips tightly as if to say 'oo' but trying to pronounce 'ee'. This will help you pronounce the word correctly.
Stick to the Owl
For learners, it's best to use 'hululer' strictly for owls. While figurative uses exist, they are rare and can lead to confusion. Focus on its primary meaning first.
Listen for Nature
When watching French nature documentaries or listening to audiobooks about wildlife, pay attention to how animal sounds are described. This is where you'll most likely encounter 'hululer'.
Conteúdo relacionado
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aboiement
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aboyer
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accoucher
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aérien
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agressif
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agressivement
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aile
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amphibien
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animal de compagnie
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