phoque
masculine, animal
The French word for the sea animal "seal" is phoque. It is a masculine noun, so you say un phoque or le phoque.
Meaning: seal, the sea animal (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | Note |
|---|---|
| phoque | masculine, animal |
| le phoque | masculine |
In French the word is completely normal. You see it in zoos, nature shows and books about the sea, as in un phoque gris.
How do you pronounce it?
The word phoque is said "fock", with a short o. It sounds very close to an English swear word, which is why many English speakers smile when they first hear it.
What mistakes should you avoid?
The English word "seal" can also mean a stamp or a closure. That meaning is a different French word, so phoque only refers to the animal.
Did you know?
- The French word phoque comes from Latin phoca, which came from Greek.
Examples in context
- Le phoque nage dans la mer.The seal swims in the sea.
- Nous avons vu un phoque au zoo.We saw a seal at the zoo.
- Les phoques mangent du poisson.Seals eat fish.
Example conversation
Clara and her son Noé visit the aquarium.
- NoéMaman, regarde le phoque !Mom, look at the seal!
- ClaraIl est grand.He is big.
- NoéIl mange du poisson.He is eating fish.
