lontra marina
/ˈlon.tra maˈri.na/word by word
The English phrase 'sea otter' is translated into Italian as lontra marina.
lontra marina is the noun used to refer to the species Enhydra lutris.
Meaning: Enhydra lutris (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of lontra, which means 'otter' and marina, meaning 'marine' or 'of the sea'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun lontra is feminine, so the adjective marina must also be used in the feminine singular form. To refer to multiple sea otters, use the plural form lontre marine.
How do you pronounce it?
It has 4 syllables, and the stress is on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- The feminine gender of lontra is fixed regardless of the actual animal's sex, meaning you use la lontra even when referring to a male sea otter.
- The term marina in lontra marina is the same root used for the 'Marine' corps in Italian, Marina Militare.
- If you wanted to describe a 'river otter' instead, you would simply change the adjective to di fiume, as marina is strictly reserved for the sea.
Examples in context
- Ho avvistato una lontra marina oggi mentre nuotavo nella baia.I spotted a sea otter today while I was swimming in the bay.
- Ho visto una lontra marina allo zoo.I saw a sea otter at the zoo.
- La lontra marina è un animale molto carino.The sea otter is a very cute animal.
- Studiamo la vita della lontra marina.We are studying the life of the sea otter.
Example conversation
Martina and Matteo are watching a nature documentary at home.
- MartinaGuarda quella lontra marina, Matteo!Look at that sea otter, Matteo!
- MatteoÈ bellissima, Martina.She is beautiful, Martina.
- MartinaMi piace come galleggia sull'acqua.I like how she floats on the water.
- MatteoSì, è davvero rilassante guardarla.Yes, it is really relaxing to watch her.
