At the A1 level, we learn that a cormoran is a bird. It is a big bird that lives near the water. You can see it at the sea or near a lake. It is usually black. In French, we say le cormoran because it is a masculine word. If you see one bird, it is un cormoran. If you see many, it is des cormorans. The bird likes to eat fish. It is very good at swimming and diving under the water. When it comes out of the water, it stands on a rock and opens its wings to dry them in the sun. This is a very famous image. You can say: 'Le cormoran est noir' (The cormorant is black) or 'Le cormoran mange un poisson' (The cormorant eats a fish). It is a simple but important word if you like animals and nature. When you go to the beach in France, look for a big black bird on the rocks. That is the cormoran!
At the A2 level, we can describe the cormoran with more detail. It is a 'grand oiseau de mer' (large seabird). It has a long neck and a strong beak. It is interesting because its feathers are not like a duck's feathers. A duck stays dry, but the cormoran gets wet. This is why it must 'faire sécher ses ailes' (dry its wings). You will often see it in this position, which looks like it is praying or posing for a photo. You can use verbs like plonger (to dive) and nager (to swim). For example: 'Le cormoran plonge dans l'océan pour chercher sa nourriture.' It is common to see them in Brittany or on the Atlantic coast. They are very quiet birds, unlike seagulls which make a lot of noise. If you are talking about your vacation at the sea, you might say: 'J'ai vu beaucoup de cormorans sur les rochers.' It is a masculine noun, so remember to use le or un. The spelling is important: it ends in '-an', not '-ant'.
For B1 learners, the cormoran represents an interesting part of French coastal ecology. As a B1 student, you should be able to discuss its habitat and its role in the environment. The cormoran is a 'plongeur hors pair' (an outstanding diver). It can dive several meters deep to catch fish, which is its primary diet. This bird is often at the center of 'débats écologiques' (ecological debates) because some fishermen think there are too many cormorants and that they eat too much fish. However, it is a protected species in many areas. You might encounter this word in news articles about the environment or in travel documentaries. Grammatically, you can use it in more complex sentences: 'Bien que le cormoran soit un oiseau marin, on le trouve parfois près des rivières à l'intérieur des terres.' Notice the use of the masculine gender and the specific vocabulary like plumage, bec crochu (hooked bill), and colonie. It is a word that adds precision to your descriptions of nature and allows you to participate in more nuanced conversations about wildlife preservation in France.
At the B2 level, you can explore the symbolic and literary presence of the cormoran. In French literature, the cormoran often symbolizes a certain raw, untamed aspect of nature. It is a bird that thrives in 'les conditions météorologiques difficiles' (difficult weather conditions). Authors might use the image of a cormoran to evoke a sense of solitude or persistence. From a linguistic perspective, you should be comfortable using the word in various registers. In a formal report, you might discuss 'la gestion des populations de cormorans dans les zones de pêche'. In a more casual conversation, you might comment on the bird's 'silhouette caractéristique' against the horizon. You should also be aware of the different species, such as the Grand Cormoran or the Cormoran huppé. The word is also useful when discussing maritime history or traditional fishing techniques, even if they are from other cultures, like 'la pêche au cormoran' in Asia, which is a common topic in French cultural magazines. Your ability to use 'cormoran' correctly, with its proper gender and without the English 't', demonstrates a solid grasp of French vocabulary and an attention to detail in your language studies.
For C1 students, the cormoran serves as a gateway to highly specialized vocabulary and sophisticated cultural references. You might analyze the bird's role as a 'bio-indicateur' (bio-indicator) of the health of marine ecosystems. The presence or absence of cormorants can tell scientists a lot about the 'biomasse halieutique' (fish biomass) in a specific area. In terms of register, you should be able to navigate between scientific discourse and poetic expression. For example, you might read a text where the cormoran is described with 'un plumage d'un noir de jais aux reflets métalliques' (jet-black plumage with metallic glints). You should also understand the historical context of the word, which comes from the Old French 'corp maren' (sea raven). This etymological link to the raven explains why the bird is often associated with dark omens or mystery in older texts. Furthermore, you can use the word in complex metaphorical structures, perhaps comparing a relentless person to a cormoran diving for its goal. Mastery at this level involves not just knowing what the bird is, but understanding its multifaceted role in French science, culture, and language history.
At the C2 level, your understanding of cormoran should be exhaustive, encompassing its biological, ecological, and cultural dimensions. You should be able to engage in high-level debates regarding 'la politique de régulation des espèces protégées' and the specific challenges posed by the 'Grand Cormoran' in European inland waters. The linguistic nuance here involves using the word within the broadest possible context of 'l'ornithologie' and 'la gestion de la biodiversité'. You might encounter the cormoran in the most obscure literary passages, where it might be used to ground a surrealist description or to provide a stark, realistic contrast in a romantic poem. Your command of the word should include an awareness of its synonyms in various registers, from the technical 'Phalacrocoracidé' to the regionalisms that might exist in coastal patois. Furthermore, you should be able to discuss the bird's anatomy in detail, using terms like 'pattes palmées' (webbed feet), 'sac gulaire' (gular sac), and 'envergure' (wingspan). A C2 speaker uses 'cormoran' with total confidence, perhaps even utilizing it in puns or complex wordplay that relies on its sound and associations. It is no longer just a word for a bird, but a versatile tool for precise and evocative communication in French.
cormoran 30秒了解
- A large, dark-plumaged diving seabird known as a cormorant in English.
- Recognizable by its habit of drying its wings while perched on rocks.
- A skilled underwater hunter that feeds primarily on various fish species.
- A masculine noun (le cormoran) frequently found in French coastal and nature contexts.
The French word cormoran refers to a specific genus of aquatic birds known in English as the cormorant. These birds are renowned for their exceptional diving abilities and their distinct silhouette, often seen perched on rocks or wooden pilings with their wings spread wide to dry. In the French language, the term is not merely a biological classification but a word that evokes the rugged beauty of the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts. When you use the word cormoran, you are typically discussing coastal wildlife, ecology, or the specific behaviors of marine predators. These birds belong to the family Phalacrocoracidae, and in France, the most common species is the Grand Cormoran. The word is masculine in gender, preceded by the article le or un.
- Biological Context
- In a scientific or observational context, a cormoran is described by its dark, almost black plumage which can have a metallic green or bronze sheen. Unlike many other water birds, their feathers are not entirely waterproof, which is why they must spend significant time drying them in the wind.
- Symbolic Usage
- Metaphorically, the cormoran is sometimes associated with greed or voracity because of its efficiency in catching fish. In some regional French dialects or older literature, calling someone a cormoran might imply they have a bottomless appetite or are relentless in their pursuits.
- Environmental Discussions
- In modern ecological debates in France, the cormoran is a frequent subject of conversation between environmentalists and fishermen. Because they consume large quantities of fish, they are sometimes viewed as competitors by local fishing industries, leading to complex discussions about protected species and biodiversity management.
The word is frequently encountered in coastal regions such as Brittany (Bretagne) or Normandy, where these birds are a constant presence. For a learner, mastering the word cormoran is essential for describing maritime landscapes or participating in conversations about nature and the environment. It is a B1 level word because while it is specific, it is a common sight in the Francophone world, appearing in documentaries, travel guides, and literature. The imagery of a cormoran standing still against a sunset is a classic trope in French coastal poetry and photography.
Sur le vieux quai, un cormoran solitaire déployait ses ailes pour les faire sécher après une longue plongée dans les eaux froides de la Manche.
Furthermore, the cormoran is often contrasted with the mouette (seagull) or the goéland. While seagulls are often seen as scavengers in urban coastal areas, the cormoran retains an image of a more skilled, wild hunter. Its presence often indicates a healthy fish population in the vicinity, making it a key indicator species for marine health. When you visit a French port, look for the dark silhouette on the buoys; that is your cormoran. The word itself has a rhythmic, almost percussive quality that reflects the bird's sharp movements and striking appearance.
Le cormoran est capable de plonger à des profondeurs impressionnantes pour attraper ses proies.
Using the word cormoran correctly involves understanding its grammatical role as a masculine noun and its common associations with verbs of movement and environment. Because it is a specific animal, it often appears in descriptive passages or scientific observations. In French, you will frequently pair it with verbs like plonger (to dive), pêcher (to fish), se percher (to perch), and sécher (to dry).
- Descriptive Sentences
- When describing the bird, use adjectives like noir (black), sombre (dark), grand (large), or huppé (crested). For example: 'Le grand cormoran est une espèce protégée en France.'
- Action-Oriented Sentences
- To describe what the bird is doing: 'Le cormoran a plongé brusquement sous la surface de l'eau pour attraper un poisson.'
- Plural Usage
- When referring to a group, use 'les cormorans'. For example: 'Une colonie de cormorans s'est installée sur les falaises de calcaire.'
One of the most iconic images of the cormoran is its posture while drying its wings. In French, this is described as faire sécher ses ailes. You might say: 'Regarde le cormoran sur le rocher, il fait sécher ses ailes au soleil.' This specific behavior is a hallmark of the species and a common point of discussion for birdwatchers in France. The word is also used in culinary history, though rarely today, as the meat of the cormoran was once consumed in certain coastal communities during times of hardship, though it was noted for its strong, fishy taste.
J'ai aperçu un cormoran qui volait au-dessus des vagues déchaînées de l'Atlantique.
In literature, authors use the cormoran to set a mood of isolation or wildness. Victor Hugo, in his maritime novels, often mentions the cormoran as a silent witness to the power of the sea. When writing in French, using this word instead of a generic 'oiseau' (bird) adds precision and local color to your descriptions. It shows a higher level of vocabulary and an appreciation for the specificities of the French landscape. Whether you are writing a travel journal or a formal report on biodiversity, 'cormoran' provides the exact nuance needed for this fascinating seabird.
Les pêcheurs surveillaient le cormoran, car sa présence indiquait souvent un banc de poissons à proximité.
The word cormoran is a staple of coastal life in France. If you spend time in regions like Brittany, Normandy, or the French Riviera, you will hear this word frequently in various contexts. It is common in the speech of local residents, fishermen, and nature guides who lead tours of the littoral zones. For instance, a guide at the Sept-Îles bird sanctuary in Brittany would certainly use this word to point out the local avian population.
- In Nature Documentaries
- French television channels like ARTE or France 5 frequently air wildlife documentaries where the 'cormoran' is featured. Narrators describe their diving depth, their social behavior, and their role in the ecosystem using this term.
- At the Fish Market
- While not a fish itself, the cormoran is often discussed by fishermen. You might hear them complain, 'Encore ces cormorans qui vident nos filets !' (Those cormorants emptying our nets again!), reflecting the ongoing tension between human industry and wildlife.
- In Literature and Art
- The word appears in the works of famous French authors like Marcel Proust or Jules Verne. It is used to paint a picture of the sea's wild, untamable nature. Art galleries in coastal towns often feature paintings or sculptures of the 'cormoran' in its iconic wing-drying pose.
Beyond the literal bird, the name 'Cormoran' has been used for various French vessels, including naval ships and fishing boats, further embedding the word into the maritime culture of the country. If you are walking along a harbor, you might see a boat named Le Cormoran. In the world of detective fiction, the character Cormoran Strike (by Robert Galbraith/J.K. Rowling) has made the name more recognizable globally, and in the French translations, the name remains, often prompting readers to look up the bird's characteristics.
Le guide nous a expliqué que le cormoran peut rester en apnée pendant plus d'une minute.
In educational settings, French children learn about the 'cormoran' in biology class when studying food chains and aquatic life. It is a word that carries a sense of the 'sauvage' (wild) and the 'naturel'. Even in urban areas like Paris, cormorants can sometimes be spotted along the Seine or in large parks with lakes, such as the Bois de Vincennes. Hearing 'Tiens, un cormoran !' in the middle of the city is a sign of the bird's adaptability and a common exclamation for urban nature lovers.
Pendant notre randonnée sur le sentier des douaniers, nous avons observé un cormoran huppé nichant dans la falaise.
While cormoran is a relatively straightforward noun, English speakers and French learners often make a few key errors. The first and most common mistake is related to gender. Many learners assume that because birds like la mouette (seagull) or l'hirondelle (swallow) are feminine, all birds might be. However, cormoran is strictly masculine. Saying 'la cormoran' is a frequent error that marks a speaker as a beginner.
- Confusion with Similar Birds
- Learners often confuse the cormoran with the goéland (herring gull) or mouette (black-headed gull). While they all inhabit the same coastal areas, their appearance and behavior are vastly different. A cormoran is dark and dives from the surface, while gulls are usually white/grey and scavenge or dive from the air.
- Spelling Errors
- In English, the word is spelled 'cormorant' with a 't' at the end. In French, the 't' is absent: cormoran. Adding a 't' at the end is a very common 'anglicisme' or spelling carry-over that should be avoided.
- Pronunciation of the Nasal 'an'
- The final syllable '-an' in cormoran is a nasal vowel /ɑ̃/. English speakers often pronounce the 'n' clearly, which is incorrect. The 'n' should not be sounded; instead, the vowel should be nasalized, similar to the sound in 'maman' or 'enfant'.
Another subtle mistake is using the word plonger incorrectly with cormoran. While cormorants dive, they do so by tilting forward from the water's surface, unlike the fou de Bassan (gannet) which dives from a great height in the air. When describing a cormoran, use plonger depuis la surface to be more accurate. Furthermore, avoid using 'cormoran' as a generic term for any black bird near water. Precision is key in French nature vocabulary; if it's a coot, it's a foulque, not a cormoran.
Attention : on écrit cormoran sans 't' à la fin, contrairement à l'anglais 'cormorant'.
Finally, be careful with the plural form. While it follows the standard rule of adding an 's' (les cormorans), the pronunciation remains the same as the singular. Do not pronounce the 's'. This is a general rule in French but one that is often forgotten when dealing with less common nouns. By avoiding these pitfalls, your French will sound more natural and precise when discussing the beautiful avian life of the French coastlines.
Il ne faut pas confondre le cormoran avec le corbeau, même s'ils sont tous les deux noirs.
When discussing the cormoran, it is helpful to know related terms to enrich your vocabulary and provide variety in your speech or writing. There are several other seabirds and aquatic animals that are often mentioned in the same breath or can serve as alternatives depending on the context. Understanding the nuances between these words will elevate your French from basic to intermediate or advanced.
- Le Goéland vs. La Mouette
- While often translated as 'seagull', le goéland is larger and more powerful, while la mouette is smaller. Neither dives like the cormoran, but they are the most common coastal birds you will encounter alongside it.
- Le Fou de Bassan
- This is the Northern Gannet. Like the cormoran, it is a formidable fisherman, but it is famous for its spectacular high-speed dives from the air into the ocean, a behavior the cormoran does not exhibit.
- Le Grèbe
- The grebe is another diving bird often found in freshwater. It is much smaller than the cormoran and has a different neck structure. If you are near a lake rather than the sea, you might be looking at a grèbe.
In a more general sense, you can refer to the cormoran as an oiseau de mer (seabird) or an oiseau aquatique (aquatic bird). If you want to emphasize its predatory nature, you might use prédateur marin. In poetic contexts, you might hear the term le pêcheur noir (the black fisherman), which describes the bird's appearance and primary activity without using its literal name.
Contrairement au cormoran, le pélican possède une poche sous son bec pour stocker ses poissons.
Lastly, consider the word harle (merganser), another diving bird that shares some habitat with the cormoran but has a much more colorful plumage and a saw-like bill. By knowing these alternatives, you can describe the richness of French birdlife with precision. Whether you are at the Bassin d'Arcachon or the Côte d'Opale, being able to distinguish between a cormoran and its neighbors will make your observations much more rewarding and your French much more sophisticated.
Le cormoran est souvent confondu avec le grand corbeau en raison de son plumage sombre.
How Formal Is It?
趣味小知识
The English word 'cormorant' actually kept the 't' that was added in Middle English, while French dropped it to stay closer to the nasal 'an' ending.
发音指南
- Pronouncing the final 'n' like in 'man'.
- Adding a 't' sound at the end like in English.
- Pronouncing the 'o' too much like an 'u'.
- Failing to gutturalize the French 'r'.
难度评级
The word is easy to recognize if you know 'cormorant', but requires knowing the French spelling.
The absence of the final 't' is a common trap for English speakers.
The nasal 'an' and the French 'r' can be challenging for beginners.
Easily distinguishable in a sentence due to its unique sound.
接下来学什么
前置知识
接下来学习
高级
需要掌握的语法
Nasal vowels: 'an', 'en', 'am', 'em' are all pronounced /ɑ̃/.
cormoran, enfant, chambre, temps
Masculine nouns ending in 'an' do not change in pronunciation in the plural.
un cormoran / des cormorans
Adjective agreement with masculine nouns.
Le cormoran est noir et grand.
Using 'faire' + infinitive for causative actions.
Le cormoran fait sécher ses ailes.
The use of 'le' for general species descriptions.
Le cormoran est un oiseau (refers to the whole species).
按水平分级的例句
Le cormoran est un oiseau noir.
The cormorant is a black bird.
'Le' is the masculine singular definite article.
Je vois un cormoran sur l'eau.
I see a cormorant on the water.
'Un' is the masculine singular indefinite article.
Le cormoran aime le poisson.
The cormorant likes fish.
'Aime' is the present tense of the verb 'aimer'.
Il y a deux cormorans ici.
There are two cormorants here.
Plural is formed by adding 's' to 'cormoran'.
Le cormoran est grand.
The cormorant is big.
'Grand' is the masculine singular adjective.
Regarde le cormoran !
Look at the cormorant!
Imperative form of 'regarder'.
Le cormoran ne chante pas.
The cormorant does not sing.
Negation using 'ne... pas'.
C'est un beau cormoran.
It is a beautiful cormorant.
'Beau' is the masculine singular adjective for beautiful.
Le cormoran fait sécher ses ailes au soleil.
The cormorant is drying its wings in the sun.
'Fait sécher' is a causative construction (makes to dry).
Cet oiseau est un cormoran marin.
This bird is a marine cormorant.
'Cet' is the demonstrative adjective for masculine nouns starting with a consonant sound.
Le cormoran peut plonger très profondément.
The cormorant can dive very deeply.
'Peut' is the verb 'pouvoir' (can/to be able).
Les plumes du cormoran sont sombres.
The cormorant's feathers are dark.
'Sombres' is the plural adjective.
Le cormoran habite près des côtes.
The cormorant lives near the coasts.
'Habite' is from the verb 'habiter' (to live/dwell).
Nous avons observé un cormoran hier.
We observed a cormorant yesterday.
Passé composé tense.
Le bec du cormoran est très pointu.
The cormorant's beak is very sharp.
'Bec' is masculine.
Le cormoran vole bas sur l'eau.
The cormorant flies low over the water.
'Bas' is used here as an adverb.
Le cormoran est souvent perçu comme un concurrent par les pêcheurs.
The cormorant is often perceived as a competitor by fishermen.
Passive voice construction.
Il est fascinant de voir un cormoran sortir de l'eau.
It is fascinating to see a cormorant come out of the water.
'Il est [adjectif] de [infinitif]' structure.
La population de cormorans a augmenté ces dernières années.
The cormorant population has increased in recent years.
'Augmenté' is the past participle of 'augmenter'.
Le cormoran huppé est plus petit que le grand cormoran.
The European shag is smaller than the great cormorant.
Comparative structure 'plus... que'.
Les ailes du cormoran ne sont pas totalement imperméables.
The cormorant's wings are not totally waterproof.
'Imperméables' is the adjective for waterproof.
Le cormoran utilise ses pattes palmées pour nager.
The cormorant uses its webbed feet to swim.
'Palmées' refers to webbed feet.
On peut apercevoir le cormoran sur les piliers du pont.
One can spot the cormorant on the bridge pillars.
'On' is the indefinite subject pronoun.
Le cormoran avale le poisson tout entier.
The cormorant swallows the fish whole.
'Tout entier' means completely whole.
Malgré sa mauvaise réputation, le cormoran joue un rôle clé dans l'écosystème.
Despite its bad reputation, the cormorant plays a key role in the ecosystem.
'Malgré' is followed by a noun.
Le cormoran se distingue par sa silhouette en forme de croix lorsqu'il sèche ses ailes.
The cormorant is distinguished by its cross-shaped silhouette when it dries its wings.
'Se distingue par' means is distinguished by.
Certaines espèces de cormorans nichent exclusivement sur les falaises escarpées.
Some species of cormorants nest exclusively on steep cliffs.
'Escarpées' describes steep terrain.
L'envergure du grand cormoran peut atteindre un mètre cinquante.
The wingspan of the great cormorant can reach one meter fifty.
'Envergure' is the word for wingspan.
Le cormoran est un oiseau grégaire qui vit souvent en vastes colonies.
The cormorant is a gregarious bird that often lives in vast colonies.
'Grégaire' means living in groups.
L'observation du cormoran demande beaucoup de patience.
Observing the cormorant requires a lot of patience.
'Demande' here means requires.
Le cri du cormoran est plutôt rauque et peu mélodieux.
The cormorant's cry is rather hoarse and not very melodious.
'Rauque' means hoarse.
Le plumage nuptial du cormoran présente des reflets magnifiques.
The cormorant's breeding plumage shows magnificent reflections.
'Nuptial' refers to breeding season.
Le cormoran, jadis persécuté, bénéficie désormais de mesures de protection strictes.
The cormorant, once persecuted, now benefits from strict protection measures.
'Jadis' is a literary word for 'formerly'.
La morphologie du cormoran est parfaitement adaptée à la prédation sous-marine.
The cormorant's morphology is perfectly adapted to underwater predation.
'Morphologie' is a technical term.
On assiste à une colonisation des eaux intérieures par le grand cormoran.
We are witnessing a colonization of inland waters by the great cormorant.
'On assiste à' means we are witnessing.
L'impact du cormoran sur les stocks de poissons fait l'objet de nombreuses études scientifiques.
The cormorant's impact on fish stocks is the subject of numerous scientific studies.
'Fait l'objet de' means is the subject of.
Le cormoran possède un sac gulaire extensible qui lui permet d'avaler de grosses proies.
The cormorant has an expandable gular sac that allows it to swallow large prey.
'Gulaire' refers to the throat area.
La présence du cormoran témoigne d'une certaine richesse biologique du milieu.
The presence of the cormorant testifies to a certain biological richness of the environment.
'Témoigne de' means testifies to or shows evidence of.
L'imperméabilité limitée des plumes du cormoran réduit sa flottabilité, facilitant ainsi la plongée.
The limited waterproofness of the cormorant's feathers reduces its buoyancy, thus facilitating diving.
'Flottabilité' means buoyancy.
Dans la poésie maritime, le cormoran est souvent une figure de l'austérité.
In maritime poetry, the cormorant is often a figure of austerity.
'Austérité' means severity or starkness.
L'ambivalence du cormoran, entre fascination et rejet, illustre notre rapport complexe à la faune sauvage.
The ambivalence of the cormorant, between fascination and rejection, illustrates our complex relationship with wildlife.
'Ambivalence' refers to having mixed feelings.
Le cormoran s'inscrit dans une lignée évolutive ancienne, remontant à plusieurs millions d'années.
The cormorant is part of an ancient evolutionary lineage, dating back several million years.
'S'inscrit dans' means is part of or belongs to.
La régulation des populations de cormorans soulève des questions éthiques et environnementales majeures.
The regulation of cormorant populations raises major ethical and environmental questions.
'Soulève des questions' means raises questions.
L'observation minutieuse du cormoran révèle des rituels sociaux d'une grande complexité.
Meticulous observation of the cormorant reveals social rituals of great complexity.
'Minutieuse' means very detailed and careful.
Le cormoran, par sa seule présence, modifie la structure trophique des lacs qu'il fréquente.
The cormorant, by its mere presence, modifies the trophic structure of the lakes it frequents.
'Trophique' relates to nutrition and food chains.
Le hiératisme du cormoran au repos a inspiré de nombreux artistes contemporains.
The hieratic (solemn/stiff) posture of the cormorant at rest has inspired many contemporary artists.
'Hiératisme' refers to a rigid, formal style or posture.
L'analyse isotopique du plumage du cormoran permet de retracer ses migrations saisonnières.
Isotopic analysis of the cormorant's plumage allows for the tracing of its seasonal migrations.
'Isotopique' is a highly technical scientific term.
La résilience du cormoran face aux changements anthropiques est un sujet de recherche actuel.
The resilience of the cormorant in the face of anthropogenic changes is a current research topic.
'Anthropiques' refers to changes caused by humans.
常见搭配
常用短语
— Extremely thin or skinny (rare/regional). It refers to the bird's lean body.
Après sa maladie, il était sec comme un cormoran.
— A very large appetite. Refers to the bird's efficiency in eating fish.
Mon fils a un appétit de cormoran en ce moment.
— Jet black. Refers to the bird's dark feathers.
Il portait un manteau noir comme un cormoran.
— To dive very well and deeply.
Le champion de natation plonge comme un cormoran.
— To stand with arms outstretched (informal/descriptive).
L'enfant faisait le cormoran pour imiter l'oiseau.
— A common observation during a coastal walk.
Nous sommes allés voir des cormorans à la pointe du Raz.
— To engage in conservation efforts for the bird.
Il est important de protéger le cormoran et son habitat.
— To engage in birdwatching specifically for this species.
Nous avons passé l'après-midi à observer le cormoran.
— The specific sound made by the bird.
Le cri du cormoran résonnait dans la baie.
— The physical home of the bird, usually in high places.
Il y a un nid de cormoran en haut de cette falaise.
容易混淆的词
Both are black, but the corbeau is a land bird (crow/raven).
A seagull, which is usually white and smaller.
A larger gull, often confused with the cormoran by non-experts.
习语与表达
— To swallow something quickly and greedily without chewing much.
Il a avalé son sandwich comme un cormoran.
informal— To be someone who is very greedy or always looking for more.
Ne sois pas un vrai cormoran, laisse-en pour les autres !
informal— To have very sharp vision, especially for spotting things far away.
Elle a des yeux de cormoran, elle voit tout ce qui se passe.
casual— Metaphorically, to use someone else's skills for one's own benefit.
Il fait pêcher ses employés au cormoran pour s'enrichir.
literary— To stand still and silent for a long time, often looking out at something.
Il est resté planté comme un cormoran sur le quai pendant des heures.
casual— The 'black sheep' or the one who is different (rare/regional).
Il a toujours été le cormoran de la famille avec ses idées bizarres.
informal— To move quickly and smoothly through water or a crowd.
Le petit bateau filait comme un cormoran entre les vagues.
poetic— A piercing, intense gaze.
Il me fixait avec un regard de cormoran qui me mettait mal à l'aise.
literary— To live a solitary life by the sea.
Depuis sa retraite, il vit en cormoran dans sa petite maison de pêcheur.
poetic— Something taken by a predator or a competitor (niche usage).
Les taxes, c'est un peu la part du cormoran sur mon salaire.
informal容易混淆
It's the English spelling.
The English version has a 't', the French version does not.
English: cormorant / French: cormoran
Both are black birds.
Corbeau lives inland; cormoran lives by water and dives.
Le corbeau est dans l'arbre, le cormoran est sur le rocher.
Both are black and white/dark water birds.
Pingouins (auks) are much smaller and live in the far north; cormorans are everywhere.
Le pingouin vit dans le froid, le cormoran est ici en Bretagne.
Both are diving water birds.
Grèbes are smaller and often found in freshwater lakes.
Le grèbe est plus petit que le cormoran.
Both are large seabirds.
The Fou de Bassan is white and dives from the air; the cormoran is black and dives from the surface.
Le fou de Bassan tombe du ciel, le cormoran plonge de la surface.
句型
Le [nom] est [adjectif].
Le cormoran est noir.
Je vois un [nom].
Je vois un cormoran.
Le [nom] [verbe] dans [lieu].
Le cormoran plonge dans la mer.
Il est [adjectif] de voir un [nom].
Il est rare de voir un cormoran ici.
Bien que le [nom] soit..., il...
Bien que le cormoran soit noir, il a des reflets verts.
Le [nom] se caractérise par...
Le cormoran se caractérise par son habitude de sécher ses ailes.
L'impact du [nom] sur... est...
L'impact du cormoran sur l'environnement est étudié.
Le hiératisme du [nom] évoque...
Le hiératisme du cormoran évoque une statue antique.
词族
名词
相关
如何使用
Medium (High in coastal areas)
-
La cormoran
→
Le cormoran
The word is masculine. Always use 'le' or 'un'.
-
Le cormorant
→
Le cormoran
Do not add the 't' from the English spelling.
-
Un cormoran blanc
→
Un goéland / Une mouette
Cormorants are dark/black. If it's white, it's likely a gull.
-
Pronouncing the 'n' in '-an'
→
Nasalizing the '-an'
The 'n' is silent; the vowel before it becomes nasal.
-
Using 'cormoran' for a crow
→
Corbeau
Don't confuse the 'sea raven' with the actual raven/crow.
小贴士
Spelling Check
Always double-check the end of the word. In French, it's '-an'. In English, it's '-ant'. This is the most common mistake for native English speakers.
Gender Matters
Cormoran is masculine. Even if you're talking about a group of birds of both sexes, use 'les cormorans' (masculine plural).
Nasal Sound
Focus on the nasal 'an'. It should sound like the 'en' in 'enfant'. Do not let your tongue touch the roof of your mouth for the 'n'.
Regional Context
If you are in Brittany, use this word! It's part of the local identity and shows you appreciate the local environment.
Be Precise
Instead of saying 'un oiseau noir', say 'un cormoran'. It makes your French sound much more advanced and precise.
Observation
Look for them on harbor walls or buoys. They are very still, making them perfect subjects for practicing your descriptive French.
Species Names
Learn 'Grand Cormoran' as the standard term. Most people just say 'cormoran', but adding 'grand' shows extra knowledge.
Etymology Tip
Remember 'Sea Raven' (Corbeau marin) to help you remember the 'Cor-' start and the bird's black color.
Documentary Practice
Watch nature clips on YouTube in French about 'les oiseaux marins' to hear 'cormoran' in context.
Creative Writing
Try writing a short poem about a cormoran. Its striking silhouette and behavior make it a great subject for imagery.
记住它
记忆技巧
Think of a 'Core' (cor-) 'More' (-mor-) 'An' (-an) bird. It wants 'more' fish from the 'core' of the ocean! Also, remember 'No T in French Cormoran' because the bird ate the T like a fish.
视觉联想
Visualize a black bird standing on a post in the shape of a cross (drying its wings) against a French sunset. This 'X' shape helps you remember its unique behavior.
Word Web
挑战
Try to describe the difference between a 'mouette' and a 'cormoran' in three sentences using the word 'ailes'.
词源
The word comes from the Old French 'corp maren', which literally means 'sea raven' (corbeau marin).
原始含义： A raven of the sea, due to its black color and bird-like appearance.
Romance (derived from Latin 'corvus' for raven and 'marinus' for marine).文化背景
Be aware of the tension between environmentalists and fishermen when discussing this bird in rural France.
In English-speaking cultures, the cormorant is often associated with the same imagery, but the French 'cormoran' has a stronger connection to the specific landscapes of Brittany and Normandy.
在生活中练习
真实语境
At the beach
- Regarde le cormoran !
- Il y a un cormoran sur le rocher.
- Le cormoran plonge dans l'eau.
- C'est un grand cormoran.
In a nature documentary
- Le cormoran est un prédateur.
- Le plumage du cormoran est noir.
- Le cormoran vit en colonie.
- L'habitat du cormoran est menacé.
Discussing fishing
- Le cormoran mange trop de poissons.
- Les pêcheurs n'aiment pas le cormoran.
- La pêche au cormoran est ancienne.
- Le cormoran est un concurrent.
At a museum/art gallery
- C'est une peinture d'un cormoran.
- La sculpture représente un cormoran.
- Le cormoran est un symbole de la mer.
- L'artiste a capturé le vol du cormoran.
In a biology class
- Le cormoran appartient à quelle famille ?
- Étudions le régime alimentaire du cormoran.
- Le cormoran est un oiseau palmipède.
- Comment le cormoran sèche-t-il ses ailes ?
对话开场白
"As-tu déjà vu un cormoran faire sécher ses ailes sur un rocher ?"
"Penses-tu que le cormoran soit le plus bel oiseau de mer ?"
"Est-ce qu'il y a des cormorans dans ton pays d'origine ?"
"Savais-tu que le mot 'cormoran' vient de 'corbeau marin' ?"
"Pourquoi les pêcheurs et les cormorans ne s'entendent-ils pas toujours ?"
日记主题
Décris une scène au bord de la mer avec un cormoran solitaire.
Imagine une conversation entre un cormoran et une mouette.
Pourquoi est-il important de protéger des oiseaux comme le cormoran ?
Raconte une fois où tu as observé un animal sauvage de près.
Le cormoran est noir et silencieux. Qu'est-ce que cela t'évoque ?
常见问题
10 个问题Oui, en France, le grand cormoran est une espèce protégée depuis les années 1970, bien que des régulations existent parfois pour protéger les piscicultures.
Il ouvre ses ailes pour les faire sécher car ses plumes ne sont pas parfaitement imperméables, ce qui l'aide à plonger plus facilement mais l'oblige à sécher après.
On peut en voir sur toutes les côtes (Bretagne, Normandie, Méditerranée) mais aussi près des grands fleuves comme la Seine ou la Loire.
Le cormoran est grand, noir et plonge sous l'eau. La mouette est plus petite, blanche et grise, et reste souvent à la surface ou vole au-dessus.
Oui, le cormoran est un excellent voilier. On le reconnaît souvent en vol à son cou tendu et sa silhouette sombre.
Son régime est presque exclusivement composé de poissons, mais il peut occasionnellement manger des crustacés ou des insectes aquatiques.
On dit 'le cormoran'. N'oubliez pas qu'il n'y a pas de 't' à la fin.
Certaines populations sont sédentaires, mais beaucoup de cormorans du nord de l'Europe migrent vers le sud de la France ou l'Espagne en hiver.
Il peut rester en apnée pendant environ 30 à 60 secondes, parfois plus s'il descend profondément.
Comme beaucoup d'oiseaux prédateurs, il est très habile et capable d'apprendre les meilleurs endroits et moments pour pêcher.
自我测试 180 个问题
Write a simple sentence about the color of the cormoran.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence about what the cormoran eats.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Describe where the cormoran lives.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
What does the cormoran do on a rock?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Why do fishermen sometimes dislike cormorants?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Describe the cormoran's appearance.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Explain why the cormoran needs to dry its wings.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Discuss the habitat of the grand cormoran.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Analyze the role of the cormoran in the ecosystem.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a short poetic description of a cormoran at sunset.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'The black bird is here.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'I see a cormorant.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'The cormorant is swimming.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'It is a large bird.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'The cormorant dives into the water.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'The feathers are dark.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'A colony of cormorants on the cliff.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'The wingspan is impressive.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'The cormorant's impact on biodiversity.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'The gular sac allows swallowing fish.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Pronounce: Le cormoran est noir.
Read this aloud:
你说的：
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Say 'A cormorant' in French.
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你说的：
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Pronounce: Il fait sécher ses ailes.
Read this aloud:
你说的：
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Say 'The cormorant is diving' in French.
Read this aloud:
你说的：
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Pronounce: Le cormoran mange du poisson.
Read this aloud:
你说的：
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Describe a cormorant's color in French.
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你说的：
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Pronounce: Une colonie de cormorans sur la falaise.
Read this aloud:
你说的：
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Explain why they dry their wings in French.
Read this aloud:
你说的：
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Pronounce: L'envergure du grand cormoran est impressionnante.
Read this aloud:
你说的：
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Discuss the fisherman's view of the cormorant in French.
Read this aloud:
你说的：
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Say 'I see a bird' in French.
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你说的：
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Say 'The bird is big' in French.
Read this aloud:
你说的：
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Say 'It is a cormorant' in French.
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你说的：
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Say 'The wings are open' in French.
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你说的：
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Say 'The cormorant is a diver' in French.
Read this aloud:
你说的：
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Say 'He lives near the sea' in French.
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你说的：
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Say 'The bird is protected' in French.
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你说的：
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Say 'The silhouette is dark' in French.
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你说的：
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Say 'The ecosystem is complex' in French.
Read this aloud:
你说的：
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Say 'The feathers have reflections' in French.
Read this aloud:
你说的：
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Listen and identify the word: [cormoran]
Listen: 'Le cormoran est noir.' What color is mentioned?
Listen: 'Un cormoran sur l'eau.' Where is the bird?
Listen: 'Le cormoran vole.' What is the bird doing?
Listen: 'Le cormoran mange du poisson.' What does it eat?
Listen: 'Il plonge sous les vagues.' Where does it go?
Listen: 'La colonie de cormorans est grande.' What is big?
Listen: 'Le plumage est mouillé.' Is the plumage dry or wet?
Listen: 'L'envergure dépasse un mètre.' Is it more or less than a meter?
Listen: 'C'est un prédateur piscivore.' What kind of predator?
Listen: 'Le grand cormoran.' Which adjective is used?
Listen: 'Regarde le bec.' What part of the body?
Listen: 'Il fait sécher ses ailes.' What is he drying?
Listen: 'Une espèce protégée.' What is the status?
Listen: 'Le sac gulaire.' What part of the bird?
/ 180 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
The word 'cormoran' refers to a cormorant, a black seabird famous for diving and drying its wings; remember it is masculine and has no 't' at the end. Example: 'Le cormoran sèche ses ailes.'
- A large, dark-plumaged diving seabird known as a cormorant in English.
- Recognizable by its habit of drying its wings while perched on rocks.
- A skilled underwater hunter that feeds primarily on various fish species.
- A masculine noun (le cormoran) frequently found in French coastal and nature contexts.
Spelling Check
Always double-check the end of the word. In French, it's '-an'. In English, it's '-ant'. This is the most common mistake for native English speakers.
Gender Matters
Cormoran is masculine. Even if you're talking about a group of birds of both sexes, use 'les cormorans' (masculine plural).
Nasal Sound
Focus on the nasal 'an'. It should sound like the 'en' in 'enfant'. Do not let your tongue touch the roof of your mouth for the 'n'.
Regional Context
If you are in Brittany, use this word! It's part of the local identity and shows you appreciate the local environment.
相关内容
更多nature词汇
à ciel ouvert
B1Open-air, under the open sky.
à fleur d'eau
B1在水面上。
à l'abri de
B1短语 'à l'abri de' 的意思是受到保护，免受有害或令人不快的事物影响。例如，人们可以在屋檐下躲雨。
à l'approche de
B1随着……的临近；在快到……的时候。
à l'aube
B1在黎明时分；天亮时。
à l'écart de
B1远离或避开某物或某人。
à l'état sauvage
B1In the wild; in an untamed state.
à l'extérieur de
A2在...外面。
à l'intérieur de
A2Inside of; within.
à pas lents
B1迈着缓慢的步伐；慢吞吞地走。
