phoque
/fɔk/masculine
The French word for the animal seal is phoque.
phoque refers to the marine mammal (pinniped). If you are referring to a seal used as an emblem or a stamp, the word cachet is used instead.
Meaning: pinniped (noun)
Which one should you use?
While English speakers might use the word 'seal' to cover various types of pinnipeds, French speakers make a strict distinction between a phoque (a true seal) and an otarie (a sea lion or eared seal).
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
phoque is a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/fɔk/
Did you know?
- While the animal is a phoque, the word itself sounds exactly like the English profanity 'fuck'.
- Because phoque is pronounced exactly like a common French swear word, it is a frequent target for puns and juvenile jokes in France.
- The word phoque is derived from the Ancient Greek word φώκη (phṓkē).
Examples in context
- Le phoque est un mammifère marin.A seal is a marine mammal.This sentence is useful for identifying the animal's biological classification using phoque.Tatoeba #4468592 by Mutusen, translation #13052513 by araneo
- Peux-tu faire la différence entre un phoque et une otarie ?Can you tell the difference between a seal and a sea lion?This sentence is useful for practicing the distinction between a phoque and an otarie.Tatoeba #8925744 by lbdx, translation #8926338 by carlosalberto
- Le phoque est un animal présent dans les régions polaires.The seal is an animal found in polar regions.
- Il a apposé son cachet officiel sur le document.He stamped the document with his official seal.
- Un phoque se repose sur la glace.A seal is resting on the ice.
Example conversation
Manon and Hugo are visiting an aquarium.
- ManonRegarde, Hugo, le phoque est trop mignon.Look, Hugo, the seal is too cute.
- HugoOui, il adore jouer avec la balle.Yes, he loves playing with the ball.
- ManonEst-ce qu'un phoque peut nager vite ?Can a seal swim fast?
- HugoOui, ils sont très agiles dans l'eau.Yes, they are very agile in the water.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “seal” translations and entries phoque, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries phoque, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
