French Conversation · Level 78
60 words
French word
matelot
Pronunciation
IPA/matəlo/
Meaning
- masculine nounsailor
Example
Le matelot travaille sur le pont.
The sailor works on deck.
More examples
Un matelot expérimenté répare la voile.
An experienced sailor repairs the sail.
Core concept
A practical crew member on deck, keeping the ship moving through hands-on work rather than navigation or command.
Common phrases
jeune matelot
young sailor
un matelot expérimenté
an experienced sailor
Similar words
marin: A professional sailor involved in navigation and handling a vessel.
équipage: The group of crew members aboard a ship.
Definition in French
Terme désignant un membre d'équipage chargé des tâches pratiques à bord d'un navire, telles que les manœuvres et l'entretien.
Word origin
The French noun matelot comes from Middle Dutch mattenoot, whose meaning combined the ideas of a mate and a companion aboard ship.
Usage tips
- The final t in matelot is silent, so the word is pronounced roughly like "mat-lo" rather than with an audible t.