Struggling to find the best way to describe ELEPHANT in different languages? You’re not alone! Many language learners and culture enthusiasts are curious about how this magnificent creature is expressed across various cultures.

Here’s the good news: I have you covered with translations, pronunciations, and cultural insights that make this word universal yet unique.

The ELEPHANT symbolizes strength, wisdom, and longevity in many cultures worldwide. This majestic animal has played significant roles in history, religion, and art, reflecting the universal human admiration for its intelligence and grandeur.

In this post, we’ll explore the translations of “elephant” in different languages, its cultural significance, and its role in different contexts worldwide.

Why Is It Important to Know ELEPHANT in Different Languages?

1. Expressing Cultural Appreciation Globally

Understanding how to say “elephant” in different languages allows you to connect with various cultures that hold this animal in high regard.

2. Enhancing Travel Experiences

When visiting countries where elephants are native or culturally significant, knowing the local term enriches your travel experience.

3. Practical Usage

From literature to everyday conversations, “elephant” is a versatile word frequently used across various fields, including wildlife conservation, education, and tourism.

Saying “ELEPHANT” in European Languages

Western European Languages

  • English: Elephant (pronounced EH-luh-fuhnt)
  • French: Éléphant (pronounced ay-lay-FAHN)
  • German: Elefant (pronounced eh-leh-FAHNT)
  • Spanish: Elefante (pronounced eh-leh-FAHN-teh)
  • Italian: Elefante (pronounced eh-leh-FAHN-teh)
  • Portuguese: Elefante (pronounced eh-leh-FAHN-chee)
  • Dutch: Olifant (pronounced OH-lee-fahnt)
  • Catalan: Elefant (pronounced eh-leh-FAHNT)

Northern European Languages

  • Swedish: Elefant (pronounced eh-leh-FAHNT)
  • Danish: Elefant (pronounced eh-leh-FANT)
  • Norwegian: Elefant (pronounced eh-leh-FAHNT)
  • Finnish: Norsu (pronounced NOR-soo)
  • Icelandic: Fíll (pronounced FEET-l)

Eastern European Languages

  • Russian: Слон (pronounced slohn)
  • Polish: Słoń (pronounced swoin)
  • Czech: Slon (pronounced slohn)
  • Hungarian: Elefánt (pronounced eh-leh-FAHNT)
  • Ukrainian: Слон (pronounced slohn)

Saying “ELEPHANT” in Asian Languages

East Asian Languages

  • Chinese (Simplified): 大象 (pronounced dà xiàng)
  • Chinese (Traditional): 大象 (pronounced dà xiàng)
  • Japanese: 象 (pronounced zō)
  • Korean: 코끼리 (pronounced ko-kki-ri)

South Asian Languages

  • Hindi: हाथी (pronounced haa-THEE)
  • Bengali: হাতি (pronounced haa-TEE)
  • Tamil: யானை (pronounced yaa-nai)
  • Urdu: ہاتھی (pronounced haa-THEE)

Southeast Asian Languages

  • Thai: ช้าง (pronounced chaang)
  • Vietnamese: Voi (pronounced voy)
  • Indonesian: Gajah (pronounced gah-jah)
  • Malay: Gajah (pronounced gah-jah)
  • Khmer (Cambodian): ដំរី (pronounced dom-rai)

Saying “ELEPHANT” in Middle Eastern Languages

  • Arabic: فيل (pronounced feel)
  • Hebrew: פיל (pronounced peel)
  • Persian (Farsi): فیل (pronounced feel)
  • Turkish: Fil (pronounced feel)

Saying “ELEPHANT” in African Languages

  • Swahili: Tembo (pronounced TEM-boh)
  • Zulu: Indlovu (pronounced ind-LOH-voo)
  • Afrikaans: Olifant (pronounced OH-lee-fahnt)
  • Amharic: ዝሆን (pronounced zihon)
  • Hausa: Giwa (pronounced GEE-wah)
  • Igbo: Enyi (pronounced EN-yee)
  • Yoruba: Erin (pronounced eh-REEN)

Saying “ELEPHANT” in Austronesian Languages

  • Filipino (Tagalog): Elepante (pronounced eh-leh-PAHN-teh)
  • Cebuano: Elepante (pronounced eh-leh-PAHN-teh)
  • Maori: Arewhana (pronounced ah-reh-fah-nah)
  • Hawaiian: Elepani (pronounced eh-leh-PAH-nee)

Saying “ELEPHANT” in Indigenous Languages

Native American Languages

  • Navajo: Béégashii tsoh (used to refer to an elephant)

Australian Aboriginal Languages

  • Pitjantjatjara: Urtjan (used to signify elephant, though not native to Australia)

More Translations of ELEPHANT in Different Languages with Pronunciations

No.LanguageWord for ElephantPronunciation
1EnglishElephant/ˈɛlɪfənt/
2SpanishElefante/eleˈfante/
3FrenchÉléphant/e.le.fɑ̃/
4GermanElefant/e.le.ˈfant/
5ItalianElefante/eleˈfante/
6PortugueseElefante/e.le.ˈfɐ̃.tʃi/
7RussianСлон (Slon)/sloːn/
8Chinese (Mandarin)大象 (Dà xiàng)/tâ ɕjɑ̂ŋ/
9Japanese象 (Zō)/zoː/
10Korean코끼리 (Kokkiri)/kʰo.k͈i.ɾi/
11Arabicفيل (Feel)/fiːl/
12Hindiहाथी (Haathi)/ɦɑː.t̪ʰiː/
13Bengaliহাতি (Hati)/ɦa.ti/
14Urduہاتھی (Haathi)/ɦɑː.t̪ʰiː/
15Punjabiਹਾਥੀ (Haathi)/ɦɑː.t̪ʰiː/
16Marathiहत्ती (Hatti)/ɦət̪.t̪iː/
17Gujaratiહાથી (Haathi)/ɦɑː.t̪ʰiː/
18Tamilயானை (Yaanai)/jɑː.nɑj/
19Teluguఏనుగు (Enugu)/eː.nu.ɡu/
20Malayalamആന (Aana)/aː.na/
21Kannadaಆನೆ (Aane)/aː.ne/
22Nepaliहात्ती (Haathi)/ɦɑː.t̪iː/
23Sinhalaඇත් (Aeth)/æt̪/
24Thaiช้าง (Chang)/t͡ɕʰáːŋ/
25VietnameseVoi/voj/
26Khmer (Cambodian)ដំរី (Domrei)/dɑm.raj/
27Laoຊ້າງ (Chang)/sáːŋ/
28Burmeseဆင် (Sin)/sʰɪ̀ɴ/
29MalayGajah/ɡa.dʒah/
30IndonesianGajah/ɡa.dʒah/
31TagalogElepante/e.leˈpante/
32CebuanoElepante/e.leˈpante/
33IlocanoElepante/e.leˈpante/
34HiligaynonElepante/e.leˈpante/
35BikolElepante/e.leˈpante/
36Waray-WarayElepante/e.leˈpante/
37TetumElefante/e.leˈfante/
38FijianElefane/e.leˈfane/
39SamoanElefane/e.leˈfa.ne/
40TonganElefane/e.leˈfa.ne/
41MāoriArewhana/a.reː.ɸa.na/
42HawaiianElepani/e.leˈpa.ni/
43TahitianEreva/e.re.va/
44MarshalleseEdepane/e.de.pa.ne/
45ChamorroElefånte/e.leˈfɑn.te/
46InuktitutTuttu/tut.tu/
47GreenlandicNanu/na.nu/
48NavajoBéégashii Néhézį́/bɛ́ːɡɑʃiː nɛhɛzĩ/
49CherokeeᏴᏫ (Yvwi)/jə.wi/
50QuechuaHatun Llama/ha.tun ʎa.ma/
51AymaraHatun Llama/ha.tun ʎa.ma/
52GuaraniElefánte/e.leˈfan.te/
53MapudungunElefante/e.leˈfan.te/
54NahuatlElefante/e.leˈfan.te/
55SwahiliTembo/tɛm.bo/
56YorubaErin/e.rin/
57IgboEnyi/ɛ.nji/
58HausaGiwa/ɡi.wa/
59ZuluIndlovu/in.dlo.vu/
60XhosaIndlovu/in.dlo.vu/
61ShonaNzou/nzo.u/
62KinyarwandaInzovu/in.zo.vu/
63LingalaNzoku/nzo.ku/
64WolofÑuñu/ɲu.ɲu/
65BambaraJugu/dʒu.ɡu/
66MalagasyRamotambe/ra.mu.tam.be/
67AfrikaansOlifant/ˈoː.li.fant/
68SomaliMaroodi/ma.roː.di/
69Amharicዝሆን (Zihon)/zɨ.hon/
70Tigrinyaዝሆን (Zihon)/zɨ.hon/
71OromoHara/ha.ra/
72FulaniÑoñi/ɲo.ɲi/
73TswanaTlou/tlo.u/
74SothoTlou/tlo.u/
75VendaNdou/n̩.dou/
76NdebeleIndlovu/in.dlo.vu/
77ChichewaNjovu/n.dʒo.vu/
78KongoNzonzi/n.zon.zi/
79KikuyuNjogu/n.dʒo.ɡu/
80LuoLwe/lwe/
81AkanEsono/ɛ.so.no/
82EweAblɔ/a.blɔ/
83GaElephante/e.leˈfan.te/
84SwaziIndlovu/in.dlo.vu/
85TumbukaNjovu/n.dʒo.vu/
86NyanjaNjovu/n.dʒo.vu/
87BembaInshiku/in.ʃi.ku/
88LugandaNjovu/n.dʒo.vu/
89DinkaTier/tiːr/
90NuerTiɛr/tiɛr/
91TivMbavur/mba.vur/
92KimbunduNzamba/n.zam.ba/
93UmbunduNzamba/n.zam.ba/
94ChichewaNjovu/n.dʒo.vu/
95TsongaNdlopfu/n.dlo.pfu/
96ShangaanNdlopfu/n.dlo.pfu/
97NdebeleIndlovu/in.dlo.vu/
98LuxembourgishElefant/e.le.ˈfɑnt/
99LatvianZilonis/zi.lo.nis/
100LithuanianDramblys/dram.blʲis/
101EstonianElevant/e.le.vant/
102FinnishNorsu/ˈnor.su/
103SwedishElefant/e.leˈfant/
104DanishElefant/e.leˈfan.d/
105NorwegianElefant/e.leˈfant/
106IcelandicFíll/fitl/
107FaroeseFílur/fiː.lʊr/
108DutchOlifant/ˈoː.li.fɑnt/
109Irish GaelicEilifint/ˈɛlʲ.ɪ.fʲɪnʲtʲ/
110Scottish GaelicAilbhean/ˈaləvan/
111WelshEliffant/ɛˈlɪfant/
112BretonOlifant/o.liˈfɑ̃n/
113BasqueElefante/e.leˈfan.te/
114GalicianElefante/e.leˈfan.te/
115CatalanElefant/e.leˈfant/
116MalteseIljunfant/il.jun.fant/
117AlbanianElefant/e.leˈfant/
118ArmenianՓիղ (P’igh)/pʰiʁ/
119AzerbaijaniFil/fil/
120Georgianსპილო (Spilo)/spilo/

The Cultural Significance of “Elephant”

1. Symbol of Wisdom and Memory

  • In Asian Cultures: Elephants are revered for their intelligence and memory.
    • India: The elephant-headed deity Ganesha symbolizes wisdom and removes obstacles.
    • Thailand: Elephants are national symbols and are associated with royalty and Buddhism.

2. Significance in African Cultures

  • Strength and Leadership: Elephants are seen as symbols of strength, power, and leadership.
  • Folklore and Proverbs: Many African proverbs and stories feature elephants, teaching moral lessons.

3. Conservation Icon

  • Elephants are flagship species in conservation efforts worldwide, representing the need to protect wildlife and habitats.

Practical Uses of “Elephant”

1. Discussing Wildlife and Conservation

Knowing the term in different languages helps in:

  • Traveling: Enhancing safari experiences in Africa or visiting elephant sanctuaries in Asia.
  • Conservation Efforts: Communicating with local communities and organizations.

2. Cultural and Religious Contexts

  • Understanding Festivals: Such as the Elephant Festival in Jaipur, India.
  • Religious Significance: Discussing deities like Ganesha in Hinduism.

3. Education and Literature

  • Children’s Books: Stories like “The Elephant’s Child” by Rudyard Kipling.
  • Idioms and Expressions: Phrases like “the elephant in the room” signify important topics being ignored.

How to Learn “Elephant” in Different Languages

Use Language Learning Apps

  • Duolingo, Memrise, and Babbel offer vocabulary lessons that include animals.

Practice Contextual Phrases

  • Examples:
    • “The elephant is the largest land animal.”
      • Spanish: “El elefante es el animal terrestre más grande.”
      • French: “L’éléphant est le plus grand animal terrestre.”

Engage with Media

  • Documentaries: Watching films like “The Ivory Game” or “Elephant” can introduce you to related vocabulary.
  • Music and Literature: Songs and poems featuring elephants enhance cultural understanding.

Fun Facts About “Elephant”

Unique Characteristics

  • Memory: Elephants are known for their excellent memory.
  • Communication: They use infrasound and seismic communication.

Largest Land Mammal

  • African Elephant: The largest species, males can weigh up to 6,000 kg (13,227 lbs).

Cultural Icons

  • Ganesha: Hindu deity with an elephant head.
  • White Elephants: Considered sacred and symbols of good luck in Thailand.

Why Learn “Elephant” in Different Languages?

Cultural Appreciation

  • Deepens understanding of how different cultures view and value elephants.

Practical Relevance

  • Useful for travelers, conservationists, educators, and students.

Broader Vocabulary

  • Enhances language skills, especially in topics related to nature and wildlife.

Pronunciation Guide and Cultural Insights for “Elephant”

Tips for Proper Pronunciation

  • Listen and Repeat: Use online resources to hear native speakers.
  • Phonetic Spelling: Refer to the provided pronunciations.
  • Practice with Native Speakers: Engage in language exchange platforms.

Cultural Significance

  • Festivals: Elephants are central to festivals in India, Thailand, and Sri Lanka.
  • Mythology: Featured in myths and legends, symbolizing various virtues.

Usage Examples of “Elephant” in Different Languages

1. English

  • Usage: “The elephant is drinking water from the river.”

2. Spanish

  • Usage: “El elefante es un animal inteligente.”
  • Translation: “The elephant is an intelligent animal.”

3. French

  • Usage: “L’éléphant a une trompe longue.”
  • Translation: “The elephant has a long trunk.”

4. German

  • Usage: “Der Elefant lebt in der Savanne.”
  • Translation: “The elephant lives in the savannah.”

5. Italian

  • Usage: “Ho visto un elefante allo zoo.”
  • Translation: “I saw an elephant at the zoo.”

6. Portuguese

  • Usage: “O elefante é o maior animal terrestre.”
  • Translation: “The elephant is the largest land animal.”

7. Russian

  • Usage: “Слон ест много растений.” (Slon yest mnogo rasteniy.)
  • Translation: “The elephant eats many plants.”

8. Japanese

  • Usage: “象は長い鼻を持っています。” (Zō wa nagai hana o motteimasu.)
  • Translation: “The elephant has a long nose.”

9. Chinese (Mandarin)

  • Usage: “大象喜欢洗澡。” (Dà xiàng xǐhuān xǐzǎo.)
  • Translation: “Elephants like to bathe.”

10. Korean

  • Usage: “코끼리는 사회적인 동물입니다.” (Kokkiri neun sahoejeogin dongmul imnida.)
  • Translation: “Elephants are social animals.”

11. Hindi

  • Usage: “हाथी जंगल में रहता है।” (Haathi jungle mein rehta hai.)
  • Translation: “The elephant lives in the forest.”

12. Arabic

  • Usage: “الفيل حيوان ضخم.” (Al-feel hayawan dakhm.)
  • Translation: “The elephant is a huge animal.”

13. Portuguese (Brazilian)

  • Usage: “Os elefantes têm uma memória incrível.”
  • Translation: “Elephants have an incredible memory.”

14. Dutch

  • Usage: “De olifant gebruikt zijn slurf om water te drinken.”
  • Translation: “The elephant uses its trunk to drink water.”

15. Swedish

  • Usage: “Elefanten är ett socialt djur.”
  • Translation: “The elephant is a social animal.”

16. Norwegian

  • Usage: “Elefanten har støttenner av elfenben.”
  • Translation: “The elephant has tusks made of ivory.”

17. Danish

  • Usage: “Elefanten vejer flere ton.”
  • Translation: “The elephant weighs several tons.”

18. Finnish

  • Usage: “Norsu elää Afrikassa ja Aasiassa.”
  • Translation: “The elephant lives in Africa and Asia.”

19. Polish

  • Usage: “Słoń ma długą trąbę.”
  • Translation: “The elephant has a long trunk.”

20. Czech

  • Usage: “Slon je největší suchozemský savec.”
  • Translation: “The elephant is the largest land mammal.”

21. Hungarian

  • Usage: “Az elefánt erős állat.”
  • Translation: “The elephant is a strong animal.”

22. Greek

  • Usage: “Ο ελέφαντας έχει μεγάλα αυτιά.” (O elefantas echei megala aftia.)
  • Translation: “The elephant has large ears.”

23. Turkish

  • Usage: “Fil, hortumuyla su içer.”
  • Translation: “The elephant drinks water with its trunk.”

24. Vietnamese

  • Usage: “Voi sống theo bầy đàn.”
  • Translation: “Elephants live in herds.”

25. Swahili

  • Usage: “Tembo ana meno ya tembo.”
  • Translation: “The elephant has tusks.”

26. Zulu

  • Usage: “Indlovu iyasiza emvelweni.”
  • Translation: “The elephant helps the environment.”

27. Amharic

  • Usage: “ዝሆን በአፍሪካ ይገኛል።” (Zihon beafrika yigenyal.)
  • Translation: “The elephant is found in Africa.”

28. Hebrew

  • Usage: “הפיל משתמש בחדק שלו.” (Ha’pil mishtamesh be’chadak shelo.)
  • Translation: “The elephant uses its trunk.”

29. Persian

  • Usage: “فیل حافظه قوی دارد.” (Feel hafzeh ghavi darad.)
  • Translation: “The elephant has a strong memory.”

30. Thai

  • Usage: “ช้างเป็นสัตว์ประจำชาติของไทย.” (Chang pen sat pra-jam chat kong Thai.)
  • Translation: “The elephant is Thailand’s national animal.”

31. Bengali

  • Usage: “হাতির দাঁত মূল্যবান।” (Haatir daat mullyoban.)
  • Translation: “Elephant tusks are valuable.”

32. Urdu

  • Usage: “ہاتھی ایک بڑا جانور ہے۔” (Haathi aik bara janwar hai.)
  • Translation: “The elephant is a large animal.”

33. Malayalam

  • Usage: “ആനയ്ക്ക് ദീർഘമായ ചുണ്ടുണ്ട്.” (Aanaykku deerghamaaya chundundu.)
  • Translation: “The elephant has a long trunk.”

34. Tamil

  • Usage: “யானை ஒரு வலுவான விலங்கு.” (Yaanai oru valuvana vilangu.)
  • Translation: “The elephant is a strong animal.”

35. Telugu

  • Usage: “ఏనుగు బలమైన జంతువు.” (Enugu balamaina janthuvu.)
  • Translation: “The elephant is a powerful animal.”

36. Kannada

  • Usage: “ಆನೆ ಕಾಡಿನಲ್ಲಿ ವಾಸಿಸುತ್ತದೆ.” (Aane kaadinalli vaasisuttade.)
  • Translation: “The elephant lives in the forest.”

37. Nepali

  • Usage: “हात्ती ठूलो जनावर हो।” (Haathi thulo janawar ho.)
  • Translation: “The elephant is a large animal.”

38. Sinhala

  • Usage: “ඇත් සතුන් සමූහවලින් ජීවත් වේ.” (Aeth sathun samuhawalin jeewath we.)
  • Translation: “Elephants live in groups.”

39. Indonesian

  • Usage: “Gajah memakan rumput dan daun.”
  • Translation: “Elephants eat grass and leaves.”

40. Malay

  • Usage: “Gajah mempunyai ingatan yang kuat.”
  • Translation: “Elephants have a strong memory.”

41. Filipino (Tagalog)

  • Usage: “Ang elepante ay may mahabang ilong.”
  • Translation: “The elephant has a long nose.”

42. Vietnamese

  • Usage: “Voi có trí nhớ tốt.”
  • Translation: “The elephant has a good memory.”

43. Swahili

  • Usage: “Tembo ni mnyama mkubwa.”
  • Translation: “The elephant is a big animal.”

44. Yoruba

  • Usage: “Erin ni ẹranko nla.”
  • Translation: “The elephant is a large animal.”

45. Igbo

  • Usage: “Enyi bụ anụmanụ ukwu.”
  • Translation: “The elephant is a big animal.”

46. Hausa

  • Usage: “Giwa tana da hanci mai tsawo.”
  • Translation: “The elephant has a long nose.”

47. Amharic

  • Usage: “ዝሆን ታላቅ እንስሳ ነው።” (Zihon talak ensisa new.)
  • Translation: “The elephant is a large animal.”

48. Somali

  • Usage: “Maroodi waa xayawaan weyn.”
  • Translation: “The elephant is a big animal.”

49. Afrikaans

  • Usage: “Die olifant het ‘n lang slurp.”
  • Translation: “The elephant has a long trunk.”

50. Albanian

  • Usage: “Elefanti ka veshë të mëdha.”
  • Translation: “The elephant has big ears.”

Final Thoughts

The word “elephant” carries significant weight across cultures, symbolizing wisdom, strength, and majesty. Learning how to say “elephant” in different languages expands your vocabulary and deepens your appreciation for global perspectives on this magnificent creature.

Start practicing these translations today and let the elephant inspire your language-learning journey!

Happy Learning!

Reference:

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