requin-marteau
The English word hammerhead (shark) is requin-marteau in French.
requin-marteau is the noun used to refer to a hammerhead shark.
Meaning: shark (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The term is a compound noun consisting of requin (shark) and marteau (hammer).
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of requin-marteau is requins-marteaux, where both parts of the compound noun take the plural marker.
Did you know?
- In French fencing, a 'hammer' strike is referred to as a marteau, using the same word found in requin-marteau.
- The word requin is used in French to describe a ruthless or predatory businessman, just as 'shark' is used in English.
- French scientists often use the term Sphyrnidae for this family of sharks, which comes from the Greek word for 'hammer'.
Examples in context
- J'ai vu un requin-marteau lors de ma plongée aujourd'hui.I saw a hammer shark during my dive today.
- Le requin-marteau est un prédateur efficace.The hammerhead shark is an efficient predator.
- J'ai vu un requin-marteau dans ce documentaire.I saw a hammerhead shark in this documentary.
- Le requin-marteau est un prédateur fascinant.The hammerhead shark is a fascinating predator.
- Est-ce qu'un requin-marteau est dangereux ?Is a hammerhead shark dangerous?
Example conversation
Two friends are watching a nature show on TV.
- LucasRegarde ce requin-marteau, il est impressionnant !Look at this hammerhead shark, it is impressive!
- ManonOui, sa tête est vraiment très étrange.Yes, its head is truly very strange.
- LucasEst-ce qu'il peut mordre les plongeurs ?Can it bite divers?
- ManonJe ne sais pas, Lucas.I don't know, Lucas.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry requin-marteau, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
