phoque
standard
The French word for the animal is phoque. In Quebec, especially along the St. Lawrence and in the Magdalen Islands, people also say loup-marin.
Meaning: marine mammal (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | Note |
|---|---|
| phoque | standard |
| loup-marin | Quebec, regional |
Use un phoque for a seal in general and des phoques for several. Loup-marin is a regional word you will hear in coastal communities.
Which one should you use?
Phoque is the word you will find in dictionaries and nature programs. Loup-marin literally means "sea wolf" and is used in everyday talk in some regions.
How do you pronounce it?
Phoque sounds like "fock".
Did you know?
- The English word "seal" has a second meaning in French, sceau, for an official stamp, which is a different word from the animal phoque.
Examples in context
- Un phoque nage près du bateau.A seal is swimming near the boat.
- On a vu des phoques aux Îles de la Madeleine.We saw seals in the Magdalen Islands.
- Le loup-marin dort sur la glace.The seal is sleeping on the ice.
Example conversation
Lucie and her grandfather Henri watch the shore from a boat in the Gaspé.
- LucieRegarde, grand-papa, un phoque!Look, grandpa, a seal!
- HenriOui, un loup-marin, comme on dit ici.Yes, a sea wolf, as we say here.
- LucieIl est gros!He is big!
