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B1 noun 11分で読める

le dauphin

例文 le dauphin 30秒で
解説 le dauphin in your Level:
At the A1 level, 'le dauphin' is simply one of the many animal names you learn. It is a masculine noun. You should focus on recognizing the word and knowing it means 'dolphin'. You might use it in basic sentences like 'J'aime le dauphin' (I like the dolphin) or 'Le dauphin est bleu' (The dolphin is blue). At this stage, you don't need to worry about historical titles or political metaphors. Just remember that it is 'le' and not 'la', and that it lives in the 'mer' (sea). You might see it in picture books or at an aquarium. The pronunciation is key here: the 'au' makes an 'o' sound, and the 'in' is a nasal sound, like the 'an' in 'bank' but without the 'k'. Learning this word helps you build your vocabulary of nature and wildlife, which is a common topic in beginner French lessons.
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At the A2 level, you can start to describe 'le dauphin' with more detail. You can talk about what it does: 'Le dauphin nage très vite' (The dolphin swims very fast) or 'Le dauphin est très intelligent' (The dolphin is very intelligent). You might also learn about its habitat and social behavior in simple terms. This is also where you might encounter the plural form 'les dauphins' and practice using it with plural verbs. You should be able to understand a simple story or a short video about dolphins. You might also learn related words like 'l'océan' (the ocean), 'sauter' (to jump), and 'jouer' (to play). The focus is still on the animal, but your sentences are becoming more complex. You can express opinions about them, such as 'Je pense que les dauphins sont les plus beaux animaux de la mer' (I think dolphins are the most beautiful animals in the sea).
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At the B1 level, the word 'le dauphin' becomes more versatile. You will start to see it in environmental contexts, such as discussions about protecting marine life. You might read an article about how 'les dauphins sont menacés par la pollution' (dolphins are threatened by pollution). This is also the level where you might first encounter the historical meaning of the word. You will learn that 'le Dauphin' was the son of the King of France. This adds a layer of cultural and historical knowledge to your vocabulary. You can use the word to talk about history or tourism when visiting France. Your ability to use the word in different contexts—both biological and historical—shows that you are moving toward a more intermediate understanding of French. You can also start to use adjectives like 'amical' (friendly) or 'sociable' to describe their behavior more accurately.
At the B2 level, you should be comfortable with the figurative use of 'le dauphin'. In news reports or political discussions, you will hear it used to describe a 'successor'. For example, 'Il est le dauphin du président' means he is the person expected to succeed the president. You should be able to understand the nuance of this term—it's not just any successor, but one who has been specifically chosen or mentored. You will also encounter the word in more sophisticated texts, perhaps in literature or advanced history books. You can discuss the implications of 'le dauphinat' (the status of being a dauphin) in a political party. Your understanding of the word now spans from marine biology to complex human social and political structures. You can also handle more technical terms like 'l'écholocalisation' (echolocation) when discussing the animal in a scientific context.
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At the C1 level, you have a deep understanding of the word 'le dauphin' and its various connotations. You can use it fluently in academic or professional settings. You might analyze the historical significance of the title 'Dauphin' in a paper on the French monarchy, or use it as a metaphor in a business presentation about leadership succession. You are aware of the subtle differences between 'le dauphin', 'l'héritier', and 'le successeur'. You can also appreciate the word's presence in idioms and more obscure historical references, such as the expression 'Ad usum Delphini'. Your vocabulary is rich enough to describe the specific species of dolphins in French and discuss the ethics of keeping them in captivity. You can engage in high-level debates about marine conservation or political transitions using this word with precision and stylistic flair.
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At the C2 level, 'le dauphin' is a tool you use with complete mastery and native-like intuition. You can pick up on subtle ironies or literary allusions involving the word. For instance, you might recognize a pun in a political cartoon that plays on both the animal and the historical title. You can read archaic French texts from the 17th century where the 'Dauphin' is a central figure and understand the formal protocols associated with the title. You can also discuss the etymology of the word from the province of Dauphiné and its connection to the dolphin on the coat of arms. In a professional scientific or political capacity, you use 'le dauphin' with perfect grammatical accuracy and an awareness of the most sophisticated registers of the language. The word is no longer just a vocabulary item; it is a part of your broad cultural and linguistic repertoire.
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例文

le dauphin 30秒で

  • A marine mammal known for its intelligence and playfulness.
  • The historical title for the heir apparent to the French throne.
  • A modern figurative term for a chosen successor or protégé.
  • A masculine noun used in biology, history, and political news.
The French word le dauphin is a fascinating noun that carries significant weight in both the natural world and French historical context. Primarily, it refers to the dolphin, a highly intelligent marine mammal known for its playful nature and sophisticated social structures. However, to truly master this word, one must understand its dual identity. In the annals of French history, le dauphin was the official title given to the heir apparent to the throne of France. This historical usage stems from the province of Dauphiné, whose coat of arms featured a dolphin. Today, this legacy survives in a figurative sense; you will frequently hear the term used in politics or business to describe a 'successor' or a 'protégé' who is being groomed to take over a leadership position.
Biological Context
In marine biology, it refers to the various species of delphinids. It is a masculine noun, so it is always 'le dauphin', even if the specific animal is female, unless one uses the rare feminine form 'la dauphine' (though this is more commonly the title for the wife of the heir).

Regarde, le dauphin saute hors de l'eau avec une agilité incroyable.

When using the word in a modern, everyday context, it almost always refers to the animal. You might use it while vacationing in the Mediterranean or visiting an aquarium. However, if you are reading a French newspaper like Le Monde, you might see it in a headline like 'Le dauphin du président', referring to the person the president has chosen to follow in his footsteps. This versatility makes it a crucial word for intermediate learners who are moving beyond basic vocabulary into more nuanced political and historical discussions.
Historical Context
The title was used from 1350 to 1830. The first was Charles V, and the last was Louis-Antoine, Duke of Angoulême. Understanding this helps when visiting French châteaux or reading classical literature.

Le jeune ministre est considéré comme le dauphin du Premier ministre actuel.

Furthermore, the word appears in several idiomatic expressions and scientific terms. For instance, 'le dauphin commun' (the common dolphin) or 'le grand dauphin' (the bottlenose dolphin). In a competitive context, the person who finishes second is sometimes called the 'dauphin' of the winner, though this is slightly more formal than simply saying 'le deuxième'.
Modern Figurative Usage
This refers to the designated successor in a hierarchy. It implies a level of mentorship and preparation for future responsibility.

À la cour de Versailles, le dauphin recevait une éducation rigoureuse pour devenir roi.

Les biologistes étudient le chant du dauphin pour comprendre sa communication.

Il a terminé dauphin de la compétition, juste derrière le champion du monde.

Using le dauphin correctly involves paying attention to the context—whether you are at the beach, in a history class, or reading a business report. Grammatically, it is a standard masculine noun. When referring to plural dolphins, you use 'les dauphins'. If you are describing an action involving the animal, common verbs include 'nager' (to swim), 'sauter' (to jump), and 'communiquer' (to communicate).
The Animal in Action
When observing wildlife, you might say: 'Les dauphins suivent souvent les bateaux' (Dolphins often follow boats). Note the use of the definite article 'les' for generalities.

Nous avons eu la chance de voir un dauphin sauvage pendant notre croisière.

In a historical sentence, the word often stands alone as a title, similar to 'the Prince' or 'the King'. For example: 'Le Dauphin était le fils aîné du roi de France.' Here, 'Dauphin' is often capitalized to denote the specific title. In this context, it functions as a proper noun for the role.
The Political Metaphor
In media, you will see phrases like 'le dauphin désigné' (the designated successor). This implies that the choice has already been made by the current leader.

Tout le monde se demande qui sera le dauphin du PDG après son départ à la retraite.

Il est rare de voir un dauphin s'aventurer si près de la côte.

If you are discussing sports, 'dauphin' is the runner-up. 'Le PSG est le dauphin de ce championnat.' This means PSG is currently in second place. It's a very common way to describe standings without just using numbers.
Descriptive Adjectives
Common adjectives to describe a dolphin include 'intelligent', 'joueur' (playful), 'amical' (friendly), and 'vif' (quick/lively).

L'intelligence du dauphin fascine les chercheurs du monde entier.

Le dauphin du roi a été couronné peu après la mort de son père.

Elle a été élue première dauphine lors du concours de Miss France.

In France, le dauphin is a word that spans multiple domains of life. You will hear it in documentaries on ARTE or France 5, where marine biologists discuss the conservation of 'le dauphin de l'Indus' or 'le dauphin rose'. It is a staple of environmental discourse, often associated with the protection of the oceans and the 'filets dérivants' (drift nets) that threaten them.
In the Media
Listen for it on news stations like BFM TV or France Info. They use it almost daily to describe political succession. 'Qui sera le dauphin de Macron en 2027?' is a common speculative question.

Le reportage montrait comment le dauphin utilise l'écholocalisation pour chasser.

If you visit the Loire Valley or Versailles, the word will appear on every audio guide. You will learn about the education of the Dauphin, the apartments of the Dauphine, and the political marriages arranged for them. It is impossible to study French history without encountering this term.
Sports Commentary
In the 'Tour de France' or 'Ligue 1' football coverage, the 'dauphin' is the one chasing the leader. 'Le dauphin au classement général' is a phrase you will hear constantly during the cycling season.

Le candidat a présenté son dauphin lors du meeting politique hier soir.

Dans cette course, le dauphin n'est qu'à quelques secondes du maillot jaune.

Even in popular culture, the image of the dolphin is pervasive. From the classic TV show 'Oum le dauphin blanc' to various maritime logos, the word is part of the visual and linguistic landscape. In coastal regions like Brittany or the French Riviera, boat tours specifically advertise 'l'observation des dauphins'.
In Literature
Classic French novels, particularly those set in the royal court (like those by Alexandre Dumas), use the term to describe the intrigue surrounding the heir to the throne.

Le biologiste a enregistré les sifflements du dauphin pour son étude.

Les enfants étaient ravis de voir le dauphin faire des acrobaties.

Le journal titre sur la chute du dauphin du parti conservateur.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make with le dauphin is related to its gender. Because many English speakers associate dolphins with grace and beauty, they sometimes instinctively want to use the feminine article 'la'. However, 'dauphin' is strictly masculine. Even if you are referring to a female dolphin in the ocean, you say 'le dauphin' or 'un dauphin'. The feminine form 'la dauphine' exists, but it is almost exclusively reserved for historical or pageant contexts.
Gender Confusion
Mistake: *La dauphine nage dans l'océan. Correct: Le dauphin nage dans l'océan. 'La dauphine' would mean the wife of the heir to the throne is swimming in the ocean, which is unlikely in most contexts!

Il ne faut pas dire 'la dauphin', car le dauphin est un mot masculin.

Another mistake is confusing 'le dauphin' with 'la dorade' (or 'daurade'), which is a type of fish (sea bream) often served in French restaurants. In English, the 'mahi-mahi' is sometimes called a 'dolphinfish', leading to massive confusion for English-speaking tourists. If you see 'dauphin' on a menu in France, it is almost certainly a mistake or a very specific regional dish name (like 'pommes dauphine', which are potato puffs), as eating actual dolphins is illegal and culturally taboo.
Culinary Confusion
Do not order 'le dauphin' at a restaurant. If you want the fish known as dolphinfish in English, look for 'mahi-mahi' or 'coryphène'. If you see 'pommes dauphine', those are delicious fried potato balls, named after the Dauphine.

J'ai commandé des pommes dauphine, pas un steak de dauphin !

Le mot dauphin se termine par un son nasal typiquement français.

In writing, learners sometimes forget the 'ph' and try to write it with an 'f' (daufin). While 'f' makes the same sound, the 'ph' is mandatory and reflects its Greek roots. Also, when using it figuratively, make sure the context supports the 'successor' meaning. Calling a random employee a 'dauphin' might be confusing; it usually applies to high-stakes roles.
Spelling and Register
Always use 'ph'. In terms of register, 'dauphin' for 'successor' is quite formal and literary. In casual conversation, you'd likely say 'le remplaçant' or 'celui qui va prendre la suite'.

L'orthographe correcte est dauphin, avec un 'ph' comme dans 'téléphone'.

Attention à ne pas confondre le dauphin avec le requin, qui est un poisson.

Le titre de dauphin est historique et n'est plus utilisé officiellement aujourd'hui.

If you are looking for words related to le dauphin, you have several options depending on whether you are in a biological, historical, or competitive context. For the animal, you might use 'un cétacé' (a cetacean), which is the scientific category including whales and dolphins. Another similar animal is 'le marsouin' (porpoise), though they are distinct species.
Biological Alternatives
'Le cétacé' is more formal/scientific. 'L'orque' (orca) is also a member of the dolphin family, though often called a killer whale in English.

Le dauphin est l'un des cétacés les plus intelligents de la planète.

When discussing succession or second place, 'le successeur' is the most direct alternative. If you want to emphasize the training aspect, 'le protégé' or 'le poulain' (literally: foal, but used for a young person being mentored) are excellent choices. In a competition, 'le vice-champion' or 'le second' (the second) are more common in everyday speech than 'dauphin'.
Succession and Competition
'Le successeur' is neutral. 'Le dauphin' implies a certain prestige or a 'chosen one' status. 'Le second' is purely numerical.

Il est le dauphin du maire, mais il a encore beaucoup à apprendre.

Le marsouin ressemble au dauphin, mais il est généralement plus petit.

In the historical realm, you might encounter 'l'héritier' (the heir) or 'le prince héritier'. While 'le dauphin' was specific to France, other countries had their own titles, like 'le prince de Galles' in the UK or 'l'infant' in Spain. Using these correctly shows a high level of cultural literacy.
Historical Titles
'L'héritier' is the general term. 'Le dauphin' is the specific French royal title. 'L'héritier présomptif' is the heir presumptive.

Le dauphin de France portait un titre unique en Europe.

Dans le monde des affaires, on cherche souvent un dauphin pour assurer la pérennité de l'entreprise.

Le dauphin est souvent accompagné de son groupe, appelé un pod en anglais.

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レベル別の例文

1

Le dauphin est dans la mer.

The dolphin is in the sea.

'Le' is the masculine singular definite article.

2

J'aime beaucoup le dauphin.

I like the dolphin a lot.

'Beaucoup' is an adverb used to intensify the verb 'aimer'.

3

Un dauphin saute dans l'eau.

A dolphin jumps in the water.

'Un' is the masculine singular indefinite article.

4

Le dauphin est gris.

The dolphin is gray.

'Gris' is the adjective for gray, matching the masculine noun.

5

Regarde le dauphin !

Look at the dolphin!

'Regarde' is the imperative form of the verb 'regarder'.

6

Le dauphin est mon animal préféré.

The dolphin is my favorite animal.

'Préféré' is an adjective that follows the noun it modifies.

7

Il y a un dauphin ici.

There is a dolphin here.

'Il y a' is a fixed expression meaning 'there is' or 'there are'.

8

Le dauphin nage avec ses amis.

The dolphin swims with its friends.

'Ses' is the plural possessive adjective.

1

Les dauphins sont des animaux très intelligents.

Dolphins are very intelligent animals.

Plural form 'les dauphins' requires the plural verb 'sont'.

2

Le dauphin peut nager très vite.

The dolphin can swim very fast.

'Peut' is the third-person singular of the verb 'pouvoir' (can).

3

Nous avons vu un dauphin pendant nos vacances.

We saw a dolphin during our vacation.

'Vu' is the past participle of the verb 'voir' in the passé composé.

4

Le dauphin joue avec un ballon.

The dolphin plays with a ball.

'Joue' is the present tense of 'jouer' (to play).

5

Est-ce que le dauphin est un poisson ?

Is the dolphin a fish?

'Est-ce que' is a common way to form a question in French.

6

Le dauphin respire de l'air.

The dolphin breathes air.

'De l'air' uses the partitive article 'de l'' before a vowel.

7

Ma sœur veut nager avec un dauphin.

My sister wants to swim with a dolphin.

'Veut' is the third-person singular of 'vouloir' (to want).

8

Le dauphin est un mammifère marin.

The dolphin is a marine mammal.

'Marin' is the adjective for marine, matching the masculine 'mammifère'.

1

Il est important de protéger le dauphin et son habitat.

It is important to protect the dolphin and its habitat.

'Il est important de' is followed by an infinitive verb.

2

Le dauphin utilise l'écholocalisation pour trouver sa nourriture.

The dolphin uses echolocation to find its food.

'Sa' is the feminine possessive adjective because 'nourriture' is feminine.

3

Le Dauphin était le titre du fils aîné du roi.

The Dauphin was the title of the king's eldest son.

In this historical context, 'Dauphin' is often capitalized.

4

Les dauphins communiquent entre eux par des sifflements.

Dolphins communicate with each other through whistles.

'Entre eux' means 'among themselves' or 'with each other'.

5

On peut observer le dauphin dans le sud de la France.

One can observe the dolphin in the south of France.

'On' is an indefinite pronoun often meaning 'we' or 'people in general'.

6

Le dauphin est connu pour sa grande curiosité.

The dolphin is known for its great curiosity.

'Connu' is the past participle of 'connaître', used here as an adjective.

7

Plusieurs espèces de dauphins sont en voie de disparition.

Several species of dolphins are endangered.

'En voie de disparition' is the standard phrase for 'endangered'.

8

Le dauphin de Louis XIV s'appelait Louis également.

Louis XIV's dauphin was also named Louis.

'S'appelait' is the imperfect tense of the reflexive verb 's'appeler'.

1

Le ministre est considéré comme le dauphin naturel du président.

The minister is considered the president's natural successor.

'Considéré comme' means 'considered as' or 'viewed as'.

2

Le dauphin a été blessé par un filet de pêche abandonné.

The dolphin was injured by an abandoned fishing net.

Passive voice: 'a été blessé' (was injured).

3

La lutte pour le titre de dauphin au sein du parti est féroce.

The struggle for the title of successor within the party is fierce.

'Au sein de' is a formal way to say 'within' or 'at the heart of'.

4

Les scientifiques étudient la structure sociale complexe du dauphin.

Scientists are studying the dolphin's complex social structure.

'Complexe' follows the noun it modifies.

5

Le dauphin du championnat a perdu son match hier soir.

The second-place team in the championship lost its match last night.

In sports, 'dauphin' refers to the runner-up.

6

L'éducation du Dauphin était confiée aux meilleurs précepteurs.

The Dauphin's education was entrusted to the best tutors.

'Confiée' agrees with the feminine noun 'éducation'.

7

Il refuse d'être le dauphin de qui que ce soit.

He refuses to be anyone's successor.

'Qui que ce soit' means 'anyone' or 'whoever'.

8

Le dauphin commun se déplace souvent en bancs nombreux.

The common dolphin often travels in large pods.

'Banc' is used for a group of fish or certain marine mammals.

1

L'émergence d'un dauphin au sein de l'entreprise a stabilisé les marchés.

The emergence of a successor within the company stabilized the markets.

'Émergence' refers to the process of appearing or becoming known.

2

Le dauphin, par son comportement altruiste, intrigue les éthologues.

The dolphin, through its altruistic behavior, intrigues ethologists.

'Ethologue' is a scientist who studies animal behavior.

3

Le testament politique du roi désignait clairement son dauphin.

The king's political testament clearly designated his successor.

'Testament politique' refers to a leader's final wishes or legacy.

4

L'usage du terme dauphin en politique souligne une filiation symbolique.

The use of the term 'dauphin' in politics highlights a symbolic lineage.

'Souligne' means 'highlights' or 'emphasizes'.

5

Le dauphin d'Hérouville est une espèce fossile de cétacé.

The Hérouville dolphin is a fossil species of cetacean.

Refers to a specific paleontological discovery.

6

Il a toujours vécu dans l'ombre de son mentor, en tant que dauphin éternel.

He has always lived in his mentor's shadow, as an eternal successor.

'En tant que' means 'as' or 'in the capacity of'.

7

La captivité des dauphins soulève de graves questions éthiques.

The captivity of dolphins raises serious ethical questions.

'Soulève' is often used with 'questions' or 'problèmes'.

8

L'histoire du Dauphin de France est marquée par des tragédies personnelles.

The history of the Dauphin of France is marked by personal tragedies.

'Marquée par' means 'characterized by' or 'affected by'.

1

L'ambiguïté sémantique du mot dauphin permet des jeux de mots subtils.

The semantic ambiguity of the word 'dauphin' allows for subtle puns.

'Ambiguïté sémantique' refers to multiple meanings of a single word.

2

Le dauphinat, bien que non officiel, reste une réalité du pouvoir français.

The 'dauphinat', though unofficial, remains a reality of French power.

'Dauphinat' is the noun describing the status of being a dauphin.

3

Le traité de 1349 scella le sort du Dauphiné, rattaché à la couronne.

The 1349 treaty sealed the fate of Dauphiné, attached to the crown.

'Scella' is the passé simple of 'sceller' (to seal).

4

L'éthologie cognitive du dauphin remet en question notre définition de l'intelligence.

The cognitive ethology of the dolphin challenges our definition of intelligence.

'Remet en question' means 'challenges' or 'calls into question'.

5

Le style 'Ad usum Delphini' visait à protéger la moralité du jeune prince.

The 'Ad usum Delphini' style aimed to protect the young prince's morality.

A Latin phrase integrated into French historical discourse.

6

L'iconographie du dauphin dans l'art antique symbolisait souvent le passage vers l'au-delà.

The iconography of the dolphin in ancient art often symbolized the passage to the afterlife.

'Iconographie' refers to visual images and symbols.

7

Il s'est avéré que le dauphin pressenti n'avait pas l'étoffe d'un chef.

It turned out that the expected successor did not have the makings of a leader.

'Avoir l'étoffe de' is an idiom meaning 'to have the qualities of'.

8

La protection du dauphin de Maui est un enjeu crucial pour la biodiversité néo-zélandaise.

The protection of the Maui dolphin is a crucial issue for New Zealand biodiversity.

'Enjeu' means 'issue', 'stake', or 'challenge'.

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