Tortues (en. Turtles)

/tɔʁty/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench
noun
A reptile with a shell that lives in water or on land.
The sea turtle swims gracefully in the ocean.
La tortue de mer nage avec grâce dans l'océan.
A slow-moving animal that walks on four legs and has a hard shell.
He found a turtle in his garden.
Il a trouvé une tortue dans son jardin.
A symbol of longevity and wisdom in some cultures.
In mythology, the turtle represents eternal wisdom.
Dans la mythologie, la tortue représente la sagesse éternelle.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin 'testudo', meaning 'shell' or 'turtle'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

turtle on its back
A situation where a turtle cannot flip over, symbolizing helplessness.
tortue sur le dos
slow as a turtle
Said of something or someone that progresses very slowly.
lente comme une tortue

Related Words

shell
A hard external protector that covers the back of the turtle.
carapace
reptile
A class of cold-blooded animals, including turtles.
reptile
short-bodied
A turtle with a shorter shell.
breviligne

Slang Meanings

To be slow in one's actions.
He is as slow as a turtle to finish his project.
Il est aussi lent qu'une tortue à finir son projet.
To describe a cautious person or one who does not take risks.
Don't be a turtle, take initiatives!
Ne sois pas une tortue, prends des initiatives !