phoque
/fɔk/masculine
The English word seal translates to phoque in French.
phoque is a masculine noun used to refer to a pinniped.
Meaning: pinniped (noun)
Which one should you use?
In French, phoque specifically refers to a true seal, whereas otarie is used for a sea lion.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/fɔk/
Did you know?
- The French word phoque is a homophone of the common English profanity 'fuck', which can lead to some very awkward mispronunciations or misunderstandings if the speaker is not careful with the vowel sound.
- Because phoque sounds like a vulgar slang term for female anatomy, it is a frequent target for double entendres and puns in French pop culture.
- In French, the word phoque is only used for the animal. To describe a wax 'seal' used for letters, French speakers use the word sceau.
Examples in context
- Le phoque est un mammifère marin.A seal is a marine mammal.This sentence is useful for identifying the animal as 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?This sentence is useful for practicing the distinction between a phoque and an otarie.Tatoeba #8925744 by lbdx, translation #8926338 by carlosalberto
- Le zoologiste a étudié les habitudes du phoque.The zoologist studied the habits of the seal.
- Un phoque nage dans l'océan.A seal swims in the ocean.
Example conversation
Léa and Hugo are watching a nature documentary at home.
- HugoRegarde ce phoque sur le rocher !Look at that seal on the rock!
- LéaIl est vraiment mignon, ce phoque.That seal is really cute.
- HugoEst-ce qu'il va plonger bientôt ?Is it going to dive soon?
- LéaOui, il semble vouloir nager.Yes, it seems to want to swim.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “seal” translations and entries phoque, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
