aileron de requin
masculine
The English phrase "shark fin" is translated into French as aileron de requin.
The phrase is used to refer to the fin of a shark.
Meaning: fin of a shark (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the phrase plural (shark fins), add an 's' to the word aileron to form ailerons de requin.
Did you know?
- Some early spellings of requin look like the Latin word requiem, the mass for the dead. While likely a folk etymology, it reflects the shark's reputation as a bringer of death.
- In French, the word aileron is used for both a shark's fin and the control surfaces on an airplane's wing.
- The word requin might share an ancestor with the word chien, meaning 'dog', because of the term chien de mer used for sharks.
Examples in context
- L'aileron de requin est tranchant.The shark fin is sharp.
- L'aileron de requin est très grand.The shark fin is very large.
- Il a repéré un aileron de requin près du bateau.He spotted a shark fin near the boat.
Example conversation
Emma and Nathan are swimming at the beach.
- EmmaNathan, regarde là-bas ! Un aileron de requin !Nathan, look over there! A shark fin!
- NathanC'est impossible, nous sommes loin du large.That's impossible, we are far from the open sea.
- EmmaMais je vois vraiment un aileron de requin.But I really see a shark fin.
- NathanC'est sûrement juste un morceau de bois.It's probably just a piece of wood.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “shark fin” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries aileron, de, requin, CC BY-SA 4.0.
