phoque
/fɔk/
The English phrase 'seal animal' is translated into French as phoque.
phoque refers to a carnivorous marine mammal characterized by a streamlined body and flippers.
How do you pronounce it?
/fɔk/
Did you know?
- While the English word 'seal' is a homonym for a stamp or a closure, the French phoque refers exclusively to the animal and has no relationship to seals used for letters.
- In French, phoque is often used in slang and wordplay because it sounds identical to a common vulgarity in English.
- In French maritime folklore, the phoque is sometimes associated with legends of shapeshifters, mirroring the 'selkie' myths found in Celtic and Northern European cultures.
Examples in context
- Les loutres marines et les phoques sont souvent confondus.Sea otters and seals are often confused.
- Le phoque nage dans l'océan.The seal swims in the ocean.
- J'ai vu un phoque sur la glace.I saw a seal on the ice.
- Ce phoque est très mignon.This seal is very cute.
Example conversation
Léa and Lucas are watching a nature documentary on TV.
- LéaRegarde ce petit phoque sur la plage !Look at that little seal on the beach!
- LucasOui, il est vraiment impressionnant.Yes, he is really impressive.
- LéaEst-ce que tu l'as déjà vu en vrai ?Have you ever seen one in real life?
- LucasNon, jamais vu de phoque de près.No, I've never seen a seal up close.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry phoque, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
