lion de mer
The English phrase 'seal lion' is translated into French as lion de mer.
The term lion de mer is used to refer to a large marine mammal characterized by the presence of external ear flaps and the ability to walk on its flippers.
Which one should you use?
While lion de mer refers specifically to sea lions (eared seals), the word phoque is used for true seals (earless seals).
Did you know?
- The word mer in lion de mer is a rare example of a Latin neuter noun that shifted to feminine without being derived from a plural form. Linguists believe this happened because of the influence of terre, the word for 'land'.
- The word mer shares an ancient root with the English word 'mere', which refers to a lake or a pond.
Examples in context
- Le lion de mer nage rapidement.The sea lion swims quickly.
- Il y a un lion de mer sur le rocher.There is a sea lion on the rock.
- Nous avons vu un lion de mer au zoo.We saw a sea lion at the zoo.
Example conversation
Manon and Hugo are watching a nature documentary together.
- ManonRegarde ce lion de mer, Hugo !Look at that sea lion, Hugo!
- HugoIl est vraiment impressionnant.It is truly impressive.
- ManonEst-ce qu'il dort sur le sable ?Is it sleeping on the sand?
- HugoOui, il semble très calme.Yes, he seems very calm.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, lion, mer, CC BY-SA 4.0.
