océan Atlantique
/ɔ.se.ɑ̃ at.lɑ̃.tik/masculine
The English phrase "atlantic ocean" is océan Atlantique in French. Wiktionary also lists l’Atlantique.
Meaning: the ocean lying between the Americas to the west and Europe and Africa to the east (name)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| océan Atlantique | /ɔ.se.ɑ̃ at.lɑ̃.tik/ | masculine |
| l’Atlantique | masculine |
océan Atlantique refers to the ocean lying between the Americas to the west and Europe and Africa to the east.
Which one should you use?
You can use the full name océan Atlantique or the shortened form l’Atlantique.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using the full name océan Atlantique, the definite article l’ is required before the noun. In the shortened form l’Atlantique, the definite article is elided because Atlantique begins with a vowel.
How do you pronounce it?
It has 5 syllables.
Did you know?
- The name Atlantique stems from the Greek myth of Atlas, the Titan who was condemned to hold up the celestial heavens. In French, this connection highlights the ocean as a colossal, foundational force of nature.
- The adjective 'atlantique' in French is not capitalized when used as a general adjective, such as in la côte atlantique, though it remains capitalized in the proper name l’Atlantique.
- In French, the word atlantique can describe a specific kind of weather system or a 'maritime' climate, distinct from a 'continental' one.
Examples in context
- Ils traversèrent l'océan Atlantique.They crossed the Atlantic Ocean.This sentence is useful for showing the use of océan Atlantique.Tatoeba #896312 by sacredceltic, translation #307105 by CK
- A l'ouest de la France est l'océan Atlantique.To the west of France is the Atlantic Ocean.Tatoeba #3259620 by nimfeo, translation #3259621 by shekitten
- L'océan Atlantique sépare la France des États-Unis.The Atlantic Ocean divides France from the United States.Tatoeba #3259592 by nimfeo, translation #3259593 by shekitten
- L'Océan Atlantique joue un rôle essentiel dans la circulation océanique mondiale.The Atlantic Ocean plays a crucial role in global ocean circulation.
- J'adore les plages de la côte atlantique.I love the beaches of the Atlantic coast.
- 11 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Léa are looking at a map in a classroom.
- LucasEst-ce que l'océan Atlantique est immense ?Is the Atlantic Ocean huge?
- LéaOui, il est très vaste.Yes, it is very vast.
- LucasPeut-on le traverser en avion ?Can we cross it by plane?
- LéaOui, Lucas, c'est très courant.Yes, Lucas, it is very common.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “atlantic ocean” translations and entries océan Atlantique, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
