Skip to content

mâle

male (animal or person)

noun adjective MAHL Less Common
Animals & Nature

Origin: Latin 'masculus'

Usage Note

Mâle is used for the male sex of animals and, in a more blunt register, of humans. As an adjective it can describe masculine qualities — un regard mâle (a manly look). The circumflex on the â distinguishes it from mal (evil/badly). The feminine counterpart is femelle.

Examples

"Le mâle de l'espèce est plus coloré."

Natural Translation

The male of the species is more colorful.

Explore French by topic