squalus
[ˈskʷa.ɫʊs]masculine
The Latin word for shark is squalus.
This term is used to refer to the shark, specifically as a noun describing the fish.
Meaning: fish (noun)
Which one should you use?
Selachus is a formal way to say shark in Latin.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word squalus is a masculine noun.
Did you know?
- In Latin, squalus is also a word used to describe someone or something that is dirty or unkempt.
- The Latin word squalus may be a distant relative of the Old English word 'hwæl', which became the modern English word 'whale'.
- The Latin word squalus is the root for the scientific genus name Squalus, used today to classify dogfish sharks.
Examples in context
- Squalus eum devoravit.A shark devoured him.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use squalus in a sentence.Tatoeba #7036844 by alexmarcelo, translation #6029169 by Huskion
- Selachus est bestia marina formidabilis.The shark is a formidable marine creature.
- Squalus in mari natat.A shark swims in the sea.
- Squalus magnus est.The shark is large.
Example conversation
Claudia and Quintus are looking at a painting of the ocean.
- ClaudiaQuid est hoc animal?What is this animal?
- QuintusHic squalus est periculosus.This shark is dangerous.
- ClaudiaEstne squalus velocissimus?Is the shark very fast?
- QuintusIta, squalus celeriter natat.Yes, the shark swims quickly.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “shark” translations and entries squalus, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries squalus, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
