océan
/ɔ.se.ɑ̃/masculine
The English word "ocean" is translated into French as océan.
océan is a masculine noun used to refer to one of the large bodies of water. In an informal and poetic context, you may encounter the expression La Grande Bleue to specifically refer to the Mediterranean Sea. Additionally, Ne pas avoir le pied marin means to not have sea legs.
Meaning: one of the large bodies of water (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
océan is a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables: /ɔ.se.ɑ̃/.
Did you know?
- French speakers use the term le large to describe the 'open ocean' or 'offshore' areas, which is more common than saying l'océan ouvert.
- French sailors often use the term le grand bleu to refer to the deep ocean, a phrase that inspired the title of the famous 1988 Luc Besson film about free-diving.
- The word océan is used in the expression un océan de différence to describe two things that are completely opposite, similar to the English 'worlds apart'.
Examples in context
- Je n'aime pas l'océan.I don't like the ocean.This sentence is useful for expressing a dislike for the océan.Tatoeba #1121489 by sacredceltic, translation #1121369 by cntrational
- Je peux flairer l'océan.I can smell the ocean.This sentence is useful for describing the ability to smell the océan.Tatoeba #1793922 by sacredceltic, translation #1792439 by Spamster
- Je vivais près de l'océan.I used to live near the ocean.This sentence is useful for describing living in proximity to the océan.Tatoeba #8165911 by Gaeiie, translation #2542633 by CK
- Les océans sont vastes et mystérieux.The oceans are vast and mysterious.
- La mer agitéeThe rough sea
- L'océan calmeThe calm ocean
- La grande bleue scintillanteThe shimmering Big Blue
- 107 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Léa are looking at a photo of a beach.
- LucasL'océan est magnifique sur cette photo.The ocean is beautiful in this photo.
- LéaOui, il a l'air très calme.Yes, it looks very calm.
- LucasEst-ce que tu veux aller nager ?Do you want to go swimming?
- LéaNon, l'eau de l'océan est trop froide.No, the ocean water is too cold.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “ocean” translations and entries océan, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
