lamantin
/la.mɑ̃.tɛ̃/masculine
The French word for manatee is lamantin.
The term refers to any of several species of plant-eating marine mammals belonging to the family Trichechidae.
Meaning: any of several plant-eating marine mammals, of family Trichechidae (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The word is a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has three syllables and is pronounced /la.mɑ̃.tɛ̃/.
Did you know?
- The French word lamantin is actually a linguistic mistake. It stems from a misunderstanding of the Spanish word manatí, which was mistakenly linked to the French verb lamenter because of the animal's vocalizations.
- Because the lamantin is a slow-moving animal, the word is sometimes used metaphorically in French to describe someone who is exceptionally slow.
- French speakers may use the term vache marine, meaning 'sea cow', as a common descriptive alternative to lamantin.
Examples in context
- Le lamantin est un animal très calme.The manatee is a very calm animal.
- J'ai vu un lamantin dans la rivière.I saw a manatee in the river.
- Le lamantin se nourrit de plantes aquatiques.The manatee feeds on aquatic plants.
Example conversation
Two friends are watching a nature documentary on television.
- ManonRegarde ce beau lamantin, Gabriel !Look at that beautiful manatee, Gabriel!
- GabrielIl est vraiment impressionnant.It is truly impressive.
- ManonEst-ce qu'il est dangereux ?Is it dangerous?
- GabrielNon, il est très paisible.No, it is very peaceful.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “manatee” translations and entries lamantin, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries lamantin, CC BY-SA 4.0.
