What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
hiver
Example
I love to hiver in the mountains, surrounded by snow and nature. [hiver: verb]
Example
The hiver in Canada can be very cold and snowy. [hiver: noun]
Example
There are many festivals and markets to enjoy during the hiver season. [hiver: noun]
hibernate
Example
Bears hibernate during the winter months to conserve energy. [hibernate: verb]
Example
I tend to hibernate during the winter, staying indoors and relaxing. [hibernate: verb]
Example
My laptop goes into hibernation mode when it's not in use to save battery life. [hibernation: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Hibernate is more commonly used in English than hiver, which is more commonly used in French. Hibernate is versatile and can be used in various contexts, while hiver is less common and mainly used to describe winter-related activities or events.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between hiver and hibernate?
Both hiver and hibernate are formal words, but hibernate is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while hiver is mainly used in formal or literary contexts.
