bébé phoque
everyday
In French a baby seal is a bébé phoque, or a petit phoque. The word phoque means "seal". It is also called blanchon.
Meaning: young seal (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | Note |
|---|---|
| bébé phoque | everyday |
| petit phoque | neutral |
| blanchon | harp seal pup |
Bébé phoque is what people say about any seal pup. The French word for a harp seal pup with white fur is blanchon.
How does it change in a sentence?
Phoque is masculine: un phoque, le phoque. A female seal is still un phoque unless you add femelle.
How do you pronounce it?
Phoque is said "fok", which is why English speakers sometimes snicker at it. In French it is an ordinary animal word.
What mistakes should you avoid?
A translation tool gives phoque for "seal". Do not confuse it with sceau, which means a stamp or a seal on a document.
Did you know?
- The French word phoque comes from Latin phoca and Greek phōkē, both meaning "seal".
Examples in context
- Regarde ce bébé phoque!Look at this baby seal!
- Le petit phoque dort sur la glace.The baby seal is sleeping on the ice.
- Un blanchon est blanc comme la neige.A harp seal pup is white as snow.
Example conversation
Chloé and her father visit the aquarium in La Rochelle.
- ChloéPapa, regarde, un bébé phoque!Dad, look, a baby seal!
- PapaIl est tout petit.He is so small.
- ChloéJe peux lui dire bonjour?Can I say hello to him?
