French · Nature, Animals & Weather
"Penguin" in French: manchot
le manchot
Note: everyday: le pingouin
Penguin in careful French is le manchot, masculine. Everyday speech also uses le pingouin, though some speakers reserve pingouin for other seabirds. Kids' books often say pingouin.
Zoo
Le manchot glisse sur le ventre vers l'eau.Speak with an AI partner · 7 days free
How to pronounce manchot
Say it
luh mahn-SHOH
/lə mɑ̃.ʃo/
mahn-SHOH. Nasal an; ch as in shoe; final ot like oh. Pingouin: pan-GWAHN.
"Penguin" in French: quick reference
| French | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| le manchot | the penguin Preferred precise term. | Preferred precise term. |
| un manchot | a penguin Indefinite. | Indefinite. |
| le pingouin | penguin (everyday) Common in casual talk. | Common in casual talk. |
| des manchots | penguins Plural. | Plural. |
How to use manchot in real life
- 1Zoo
Le manchot glisse sur le ventre vers l'eau.
The penguin slides on its belly toward the water.
Le manchot.
- 2Documentary
Ces manchots vivent près de la banquise.
These penguins live near the ice pack.
Ces manchots.
- 3Kids' visit
Tu vois le manchot avec le poussin ?
Do you see the penguin with the chick?
Le manchot.
Mistakes English speakers make with manchot
Incorrect: La manchot.
Correct: Le manchot.
Manchot is masculine.
Incorrect: Le penguin.
Correct: Le manchot (or le pingouin in casual speech).
Use French manchot / pingouin.
Good to know
French teachers may correct pingouin → manchot for true penguins. Ads and cartoons still say pingouin freely — both are understood.
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
Watching a nature film
ChatPal
Ce manchot est trop mignon.
That penguin is so cute.
You
Oui, le manchot porte son bébé sur les pieds.
Yes, the penguin carries its baby on its feet.
ChatPal
On regarde la suite ?
Shall we watch the rest?
You
Allez, une dernière scène.
Come on, one last scene.
This is a sample. In ChatPal you have this conversation out loud and get feedback on what you say.
Practice this conversation in ChatPal"Penguin" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "Penguin" in French
How do you say penguin in French?
Le manchot; everyday also le pingouin.
Manchot or pingouin?
Manchot is more precise for penguins; pingouin is common casually.
Gender?
Masculine: le manchot.
How do you pronounce manchot?
mahn-SHOH.
Learn a word, then use it out loud
- Step 1: See it in context
- Step 2: Say it out loud
- Step 3: Get feedback
- Step 4: Use it in real scenarios
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