plongée sous-marine
/plɔ̃.ʒe su.ma.ʁin/feminine
The English phrase diving can be translated into French as plongée sous-marine.
plongée sous-marine refers to the practice of swimming underwater.
Meaning: practice of swimming underwater (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of plongée (diving/plunge) and sous-marine (underwater/submarine).
Which one should you use?
While plongée sous-marine specifically refers to scuba/underwater diving, the single word plongée can refer to any type of diving, such as cliff diving or springboard diving.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the activity of 'doing' diving, French uses the construction faire de la followed by the noun.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /plɔ̃.ʒe su.ma.ʁin/. It has 4 syllables.
Did you know?
- France is the birthplace of modern scuba diving, as the Aqua-Lung was co-invented by Frenchman Jacques Cousteau in 1943.
- In French culinary terms, plonger can mean to quickly dip or immerse food into boiling water or oil, effectively 'diving' the food into the pot.
- While plongée sous-marine is the standard term, French speakers often use the word apnée to specifically describe 'free diving' or diving on a single breath.
Examples in context
- As-tu déjà essayé la plongée sous-marine ?Have you ever tried scuba diving?This sentence is useful for asking if someone has tried plongée sous-marine.Tatoeba #10166562 by Micsmithel, translation #52292 by CK
- J'ai vu beaucoup de poissons en faisant de la plongée sous-marine.I saw a lot of fish while scuba diving.This sentence is useful for describing seeing fish while doing plongée sous-marine.Tatoeba #10289594 by carlosalberto, translation #10289560 by carlosalberto
- La plongée sous-marine est très populaire en France.Scuba diving is very popular in France.
- Les experts en plongée recommandent toujours de porter un équipement adéquat.Diving experts always recommend wearing proper equipment.
- Les championnats de plongeon auront lieu demain à la piscine communale.The diving championships will take place tomorrow at the community pool.
- La plongée subaquatique est une excellente façon de découvrir la faune et la flore marines.Underwater diving is an excellent way to explore marine flora and fauna.
- Les clubs de plongée subaquatique proposent des cours pour tous les niveaux.Underwater diving clubs offer courses for all levels.
- J'ai prévu d'aller plonger en Méditerranée cet été.I plan to go diving in the Mediterranean this summer.
- Les plongées dans cette zone sont vraiment magnifiques.Dives in this area are truly stunning.
- Nous faisons de la plongée tous les week-ends pendant nos vacances à la mer.We go diving every weekend during our beach vacations.
- Il est temps de faire de la plongée et de se relaxer sous l'eau.It's time to go diving and relax underwater.
- Je pratique souvent la plongée sous glace à Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon.I often practice ice diving in Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon.
- La plongée sportive en apnée est très prisée des Québécois.Apnea sport diving is highly popular among Quebecers.
- La plongée sous-marine est passionnante.Scuba diving is exciting.
Example conversation
Léa and Nathan are talking about their vacation plans.
- LéaEst-ce que tu aimes la plongée sous-marine ?Do you like scuba diving?
- NathanOui, j'adore ça !Yes, I love it!
- LéaMoi aussi, c'est mon activité préférée.Me too, it is my favorite activity.
- NathanOn devrait en faire ensemble cet été.We should do some this summer.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “diving” translations and entries plongée sous-marine, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
