French Conversation · Level 20
90 words
French word
océan
Pronunciation
IPA/oseɑ̃/
Meaning
- masculine nounocean
Example
L'océan est calme aujourd'hui.
The ocean is calm today.
More examples
Le bruit de l'océan me détend.
The sound of the ocean relaxes me.
Core concept
A vast body of salt water spanning between continents, unlike a coastal sea.
Common phrases
au bord de l'océan
on the ocean shore
le bruit de l'océan
the sound of the ocean
protéger l'océan
protect the ocean
Similar words
mer: A broad saltwater area bordering land, often with ports and shores.
plage: A sandy or pebbly shore by the sea or a lake for walking or relaxing.
côte: A strip of land along the sea.
lac: A fairly large body of fresh water surrounded by land.
Definition in French
Masse très vaste d'eau salée, opposée à la mer côtière et désignant les grands bassins océaniques.
Word origin
French océan comes through Latin oceanus from Ancient Greek Okeanos, the name given to the world-encircling ocean in Greek thought.
Usage tips
- Océan is masculine, so standard forms include un océan, l'océan, and cet océan.