Foca is a noun.
/foka/
The word foca refers to a pinniped marine mammal, commonly known as a seal. Seals are characterized by their streamlined bodies, flippers, and the ability to inhabit both marine and coastal environments. In the Spanish language, foca is used generally in contexts relating to marine biology, wildlife, and sometimes in colloquial expressions. It is frequently used in both oral and written contexts, though it may lean slightly more toward oral usage in casual conversation about marine life or wildlife.
La foca nada rápidamente en el agua.
(The seal swims quickly in the water.)
Vimos una foca descansando en la playa.
(We saw a seal resting on the beach.)
Las focas pueden ser muy juguetonas en su hábitat natural.
(Seals can be very playful in their natural habitat.)
The word foca does not frequently appear in many idiomatic expressions in Spanish. However, there are a couple of expressions that involve the term or its meanings.
Estar como una foca. (Literal: To be like a seal.)
Signifies being out of shape or overweight.
Ejemplo: Después de las vacaciones, me siento como una foca.
(After the holidays, I feel like a seal.)
Hacer el foca.
(Literal: To act like a seal.)
This can refer to someone who is being silly or playful.
Ejemplo: Siempre que estamos juntos, haces el foca y me haces reír.
(Whenever we are together, you act silly and make me laugh.)
The word foca comes from the Latin word phoca, which is derived from the Greek phōkē meaning "seal". This term has been used throughout history to describe these marine mammals.
Synonyms: - Lobo marino (sea lion), in a broader context of marine mammals. - Mamífero marino (marine mammal), a general term for the category.
Antonyms: There are no direct antonyms for foca, but if we consider different types of animals in a different habitat context, one might say tigre (tiger) to contrast it with a marine animal, though they belong to completely different ecosystems.