requin
/ʁə.kɛ̃/masculine
The English word shark is translated into French as requin. Wiktionary also lists squale.
Meaning: fish (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| requin | /ʁə.kɛ̃/ | masculine |
| squale | /skwal/ | masculine |
Both requin and squale are masculine nouns used to refer to the predatory fish known as a shark.
Which one should you use?
requin is the standard and most common word used in everyday conversation and general contexts. In contrast, squale is a more technical or scientific term, frequently used within the contexts of biology or marine biology.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the plural form of requin, add an s to get requins. Similarly, the plural form of squale is squales.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʁə.kɛ̃/
Did you know?
- Some early spellings of requin were influenced by the Latin word requiem, the mass for the dead.
- The word requin is used metaphorically in French to describe a ruthless or predatory businessman.
- Historically, many sharks were called chien de mer, which literally translates to 'sea dog'.
Examples in context
- Tom est un requin.Tom is a shark.This sentence uses requin to identify someone.Tatoeba #7414332 by Rockaround, translation #2272871 by CK
- Waouh! C'est un requin?Wow! Is that a shark?This sentence uses requin to express surprise about seeing a shark.Tatoeba #7646752 by tras, translation #7589605 by AlanF_US
- Ça pourrait être un requin.It might be a shark.This sentence uses requin to express possibility regarding a shark.Tatoeba #6939960 by Aiji, translation #4999951 by CK
- Les requins sont des prédateurs marins redoutables.Sharks are formidable marine predators.
- Ce film sur les requins est vraiment fascinant!This movie about sharks is truly fascinating!
- 38 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Manon and Nathan are watching a nature documentary on TV.
- ManonRegarde, il y a un requin dans l'eau.Look, there is a shark in the water.
- NathanIl est vraiment énorme, ce requin !That shark is truly huge!
- ManonLe requin semble très rapide.The shark seems very fast.
- NathanC'est un requin impressionnant.It is an impressive shark.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “shark” translations and entries requin, squale, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries requin, squale, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
