French translation of harpooner is 
harponneur

Meaning of "harpooner" in English

A "harpooner" is a person who specializes in hunting large sea animals, particularly whales, using a harpoon. This term is often associated with maritime industries and has historical significance, especially in the context of whaling during the 19th century. Harpooners were essential crew members on whaling ships, skilled in both the use of the harpoon and the navigation of small whaling boats known as whaleboats. They played a critical role in ensuring a successful hunt, requiring both physical strength and precision.

Meaning of "harponneur" in French

In French, "harponneur" refers to an individual who hunts marine animals, particularly large ones like whales, using a harpoon. Like its English counterpart, this term is rooted in historical and maritime contexts and linked to the whaling industry. The role of a harponneur was crucial aboard whaling vessels, where they were valued for their expertise in handling the harpoon and participating in the chase and capture of the whale. Typically, a harponneur needed to possess endurance, strength, and mastery over the challenging conditions of the sea.

Pronunciation of "harpooner" in English

Phonetic Transcription: /hɑːrˈpuːnər/

Pronunciation Variations: The pronunciation can vary slightly depending on the region, with differences mainly in the vowel sounds. In some British dialects, the 'r' at the end might be softer or non-rhotic, sounding like /hɑːˈpuːnə/.

Pronunciation of "harponneur" in French

Phonetic Transcription: /aʁ.pɔ.nœʁ/

Pronunciation Variations: Regional variations in France may slightly alter vowel and nasal sounds, but typically the pronunciation remains close to its standard form. In some parts of Quebec, the intonation or stress patterns might differ.

Sentence examples in English and translation to French

1. The harpooner stood ready at the bow of the ship. (Le harponneur était prêt à l'avant du navire.)
2. Harpooners were crucial in nineteenth-century whaling expeditions. (Les harponneurs étaient essentiels lors des expéditions de chasse à la baleine au XIXe siècle.)
3. The experienced harpooner could hit his target even in rough seas. (Le harponneur expérimenté pouvait atteindre sa cible même par mer agitée.)
4. Every harpooner had to have steady hands and keen eyesight. (Chaque harponneur devait avoir des mains sûres et une vue perçante.)
5. The success of the voyage depended on the skill of the harpooner. (Le succès du voyage dépendait de l'habileté du harponneur.)
6. The harpooner's tales of adventure fascinated the crew. (Les récits d'aventure du harponneur fascinaient l'équipage.)
7. Many young men aspired to become harpooners in the whaling trade. (De nombreux jeunes hommes aspiraient à devenir harponneurs dans le commerce de la chasse à la baleine.)
8. The harpooner aimed carefully before throwing the harpoon. (Le harponneur visait soigneusement avant de lancer le harpon.)
9. The harpooner's bravery was legendary among the sailors. (Le courage du harponneur était légendaire parmi les marins.)
10. A successful harpooner earns great respect on the ship. (Un harponneur à succès gagne beaucoup de respect à bord.)

Synonyms, antonyms, and similar words for "harpooner" in English

Synonyms: whaler, hunter, fisherman, seafarer, mariner, spearfisher, crewman, sailor.

Antonyms: -.

Similar Words: harpoonist, spearsman, angler, fisher, navigator.

Synonyms, antonyms, and similar words for "harponneur" in French

Synonyms: pêcheur, chasseur, baleinier, marin, équipier.

Antonyms: -.

Similar Words: arpenteur, lancer, pêcheur à la ligne, navigateur.

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