lion de mer
The English phrase "sea lion" is lion de mer in French.
lion de mer is used to refer to a member of the Otariidae family.
Meaning: member of the Otariidae family (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The term is composed of lion, meaning lion and de mer, meaning of the sea.
Did you know?
- The French word lion is a 'semi-learned borrowing' from Latin, meaning it was adapted into the language through written study rather than evolving naturally through common speech.
Examples in context
- J'ai vu un lion de mer au zoo.I saw a sea lion at the zoo.
- Ce lion de mer est très gros.This sea lion is very big.
Example conversation
Léa and Hugo are watching a nature documentary on TV.
- LéaRegarde ce lion de mer, Hugo !Look at that sea lion, Hugo!
- HugoIl est magnifique, n'est-ce pas ?It is magnificent, isn't it?
- LéaOui, il est très impressionnant.Yes, it is very impressive.
- HugoJe l'adore.I love it.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, lion, mer, CC BY-SA 4.0.
