anis
/a.nis/masculine
The English word "anise" is translated into French as anis.
anis refers to the plant itself. If you want to refer specifically to the star-shaped spice, use the phrase anis étoilé. Additionally, you can use the adjective anisé to describe things that are flavored with anise.
Meaning: plant (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun anis is masculine.
How do you pronounce it?
/a.nis/
Did you know?
- In France, the scent of anis is deeply associated with the Mediterranean coast and the traditional drink pastis, which turns milky white when water is added.
- In French pharmacy history, anis was frequently used as a base for cough syrups and digestive aids, leading to a strong cultural link between the scent and medicine.
- The French have a category of spirits called anisées that includes both pastis and absinthe, though the latter is flavored with wormwood.
Examples in context
- C'est une boisson anisée.This is an anise seed-flavoured beverage.This sentence demonstrates the use of the adjective form of anis to describe a beverage.Tatoeba #8639926 by Julien_PDC, translation #12362329 by menaud
- Ma grand-mère a ajouté quelques graines d'anis dans la recette pour intensifier la saveur.My grandmother added some anise seeds to the recipe to enhance the flavor.
- L'anis est une plante aromatique.Anise is an aromatic plant.
- Elle cultive de l'anis dans son jardin.She grows anise in her garden.
Example conversation
Chloé and Nathan are talking in a kitchen about herbs.
- ChloéEst-ce que cet anis est frais ?Is this anise fresh?
- NathanOui, c'est de l'anis de mon jardin.Yes, it is anise from my garden.
- ChloéCette plante sent très bon.This plant smells very good.
- NathanJe suis content que tu l'apprécies.I am glad you like it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “anise” translations and entries anis, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
