peau de phoque
The English phrase "seal skin" is translated into French as peau de phoque.
This phrase refers to the skin of a seal, which is frequently used as a material for making leather goods or clothing.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of peau (skin), de (of) and phoque (seal).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, the specific term peau de blanchon is used to refer to the skin of a baby seal.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the plural "seal skins", you only pluralize the word for skin: peaux de phoque. The word phoque remains singular because it functions as a descriptor for the type of skin.
Did you know?
- Be careful with your pronunciation of phoque, as a slight slip can turn the word for 'seal' into a vulgarity in French.
- The word peau is a distant relative of the English word 'pelt', as both originate from the Proto-Indo-European root *pel- meaning 'to cover' or 'wrap'.
- In the French language, peau refers to both the biological skin of a living creature and the processed leather known as 'hide'.
Examples in context
- Le musée expose des produits en cuir de phoque d'excellente qualité.The museum exhibits products made of excellent quality seal skin.
- J'adore les bottes en cuir de foc, elles sont si confortables!I love seal skin boots, they are so comfortable!
- Ce sac est en peau de phoque.This bag is made of seal skin.
- Elle porte un manteau en peau de phoque.She is wearing a seal skin coat.
- Le prix de la peau de phoque est élevé.The price of the seal skin is high.
Example conversation
Lucas and Emma are looking at luxury goods in a boutique.
- LucasRegarde ce portefeuille en peau de phoque.Look at this seal skin wallet.
- EmmaIl est très élégant, Lucas.It is very elegant, Lucas.
- LucasEst-ce que tu aimes la texture ?Do you like the texture?
- EmmaOui, elle est très douce.Yes, it is very soft.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, peau, phoque, CC BY-SA 4.0.
