tortue caouanne
The English phrase loggerhead turtle is translated into French as tortue caouanne.
This term refers to the sea turtle species Caretta caretta.
Meaning: Caretta caretta (noun)
Did you know?
- The word tortue carries a dark, mythological shadow, as it is etymologically linked to the Greek word for the underworld, 'Tartarus'.
- In French, tortue is used for both land tortoises and sea turtles, unlike English which distinguishes between the two.
- Unlike English, which describes the turtle's head as a 'loggerhead', the French term caouanne does not describe the animal's physical appearance.
Examples in context
- J'ai vu une tortue caouanne sur la plage.I saw a loggerhead turtle on the beach.
- La tortue caouanne est une espèce menacée.The loggerhead turtle is an endangered species.
- Nous étudions la vie de la tortue caouanne.We are studying the life of the loggerhead turtle.
Example conversation
Gabriel and Chloé are watching a nature documentary at home.
- GabrielRegarde cette belle tortue caouanne à l'écran.Look at that beautiful loggerhead turtle on the screen.
- ChloéElle est vraiment impressionnante, Gabriel.She is truly impressive, Gabriel.
- GabrielEst-ce qu'elle est très grande ?Is she very large?
- ChloéOui, elle est assez imposante.Yes, she is quite imposing.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries caouanne, tortue, CC BY-SA 4.0.
