phoque
/fɔk/masculine
The English word seal is translated into French as phoque.
The term phoque refers to the pinniped (noun) known as a seal.
Meaning: pinniped (noun)
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/fɔk/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers should be aware that the pronunciation of phoque is identical to a common French profanity. However, in a biological context, the meaning is perfectly clear.
Did you know?
- Due to the phonetic coincidence with a profanity, French subtitles in films often struggle to translate puns involving seals without changing the meaning of the joke.
- The French word phoque originates from the Ancient Greek word phṓkē.
- Despite its phonetic similarity to a vulgarity, the term phoque is the standard, scientific name used by marine biologists and in all official French educational texts.
Examples in context
- Le phoque est un mammifère marin.A seal is a marine mammal.Tatoeba #4468592 by Mutusen, translation #13052513 by araneo
- Peux-tu faire la différence entre un phoque et une otarie ?Can you tell the difference between a seal and a sea lion?Tatoeba #8925744 by lbdx, translation #8926338 by carlosalberto
- La peau de phoque est épaisse et grasse.The seal's skin is thick and oily.
- Les otaries sont très agiles.Seals are very agile.
- Le phoque se repose sur la glace.The seal is resting on the ice.
Example conversation
Léa and Gabriel are watching a nature documentary on TV.
- LéaRegarde ce petit phoque !Look at that little seal!
- GabrielIl est vraiment mignon.He is really cute.
- LéaEst-ce qu'il nage vite ?Does he swim fast?
- GabrielOui, les phoques sont très rapides.Yes, seals are very fast.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “seal” translations and entries phoque, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries phoque, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
