The French word for "koala" is koala.
Understanding "Koala" in French
The term "koala" is a direct borrowing from English into French, meaning the spelling remains the same. It is widely recognized and used in French to refer to the distinctive marsupial native to Australia.
Characteristics of the Koala
A koala is scientifically known as Phascolarctos cinereus. In French, it is commonly described as a small, tree-dwelling animal native to Australia. These iconic marsupials are renowned for their arboreal lifestyle, spending most of their time climbing and resting in eucalyptus trees, which also form the staple of their diet.
To refer to a koala in French, you would use the masculine singular definite article "un" or "le":
- Un koala (a koala)
- Le koala (the koala)
- Des koalas (koalas - plural)
- Les koalas (the koalas - plural)
Pronunciation and Usage
While the spelling is identical, the pronunciation in French has subtle differences from English, particularly in the vowel sounds and the emphasis.
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Word | koala |
| Gender | Masculine (un koala) |
| Pronunciation (IPA) | /ko.a.la/ (In French, the "o" is typically a pure 'oh' sound, and the "a" is an open 'ah' sound. The syllables are usually more distinctly separated than in English.) |
| Example Sentence | Le koala est un animal emblématique de l'Australie. (The koala is an emblematic animal of Australia.) |
You can find more details on the word "koala" in a French-English dictionary, such as the Cambridge Dictionary.
Cultural Context
Koalas hold a significant place in Australian culture and are also well-known and appreciated globally, including in France, where they are often featured in documentaries, zoos, and educational materials. Their unique appearance and gentle nature make them popular subjects for conservation efforts and tourism.
