cheval/ʃə.val/
noun · A1 · Frequency 763
nounmasculine
Meanings
horse
The basic sense.
horsepower (abbrev. of cheval-vapeur)
Used in technical contexts as an abbreviation.
tax horsepower (abbrev. of cheval fiscal)
Used in vehicle taxation or administrative classification.
Examples
Le vétérinaire examine le cheval avant la randonnée.
The veterinarian examines the horse before the trail ride.
Un cheval attend tranquillement devant l'écurie.
A horse is waiting quietly in front of the stable.
Dans ce milieu, le terme cheval désigne l'héroïne.
In that milieu, the term cheval refers to heroin.
Collocations
- monter à chevalto ride a horse
- cheval-vapeur (CV)horsepower (unit)
- cheval fiscaltax horsepower
Common mistakes
une cheval
un cheval
Cheval is a masculine noun, incorrect use of feminine article.
prendre un cheval
prendre de l'héroïne
When cheval is slang for heroin, partitive article is used and expression prendre de l'héroïne is more accurate.
Related words
synonymcanassonhorse (informal, usually referring to a poor-quality or old horse)
nounmasculine
Meanings
horse
The basic sense.
horsepower (abbrev. of cheval-vapeur)
Used in technical contexts as an abbreviation.
tax horsepower (abbrev. of cheval fiscal)
Used in vehicle taxation or administrative classification.
Examples
Les chevaux du centre équestre sortent dans le pré chaque matin.
The horses at the riding center go out into the pasture every morning.
Ce petit moteur développe soixante chevaux, ce qui suffit largement pour la ville.
This small engine produces sixty horsepower, which is more than enough for city driving.
La carte grise de cette voiture mentionne huit chevaux fiscaux.
This car's registration document lists eight tax horsepower.
Dans ce dossier, le mot chevaux désigne de l'héroïne vendue au marché noir.
In this file, the word chevaux refers to heroin sold on the black market.
nounfeminine
Meanings
horse
The basic sense.
horsepower (abbrev. of cheval-vapeur)
Used in technical contexts as an abbreviation.
tax horsepower (abbrev. of cheval fiscal)
Used in vehicle taxation or administrative classification.
Examples
La jument reste près de son poulain dans le pré.
The mare stays near her foal in the pasture.
Le vétérinaire examine la jument après sa chute.
The veterinarian examines the mare after her fall.
Une jument calme convient bien à cette promenade pour débutants.
A calm mare is well suited to this ride for beginners.
La jument avance lentement sur le chemin boueux.
The mare moves slowly along the muddy path.