avocat
/a.vɔ.ka/masculine
In French, the word for avocado is avocat.
avocat refers to the fruit. In formal botanical or academic contexts, the Latin name Persea americana may also be used. While avocat is the fruit, the tree it grows on is called avocatier.
Meaning: fruit (noun)
Which one should you use?
The word avocat is a homonym. Depending on the context, it can mean either an avocado or a lawyer. If you are referring to the plant itself rather than the fruit, use avocatier for the avocado tree.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the French-speaking Caribbean, the word zaboka is often used to refer to an avocado.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun avocat is masculine. Additionally, avocat can be used as an adjective to mean 'avocado-coloured'.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables: /a.vɔ.ka/.
Did you know?
- A French speaker might jokingly claim they are 'eating a lawyer' when they are actually eating an avocado salad.
- The word for avocado, avocat, actually comes from the Spanish word 'aguacate', which was adapted into French over time.
- The French word for 'lawyer' avocat is a linguistic relative of the English word 'advocate'.
Examples in context
- Je veux parler à un avocat.I want to talk to an avocado.This sentence demonstrates the ambiguity of avocat meaning an avocado.Tatoeba #6400130 by Aiji, translation #10794263 by Fenrir
- Nous avons besoin d'un avocat.We need an avocado.This sentence shows the use of avocat to express a need for an avocado.Tatoeba #1998302 by Amastan, translation #11244662 by DJ_Saidez
- L'avocat est riche en nutriments.The avocado is rich in nutrients.This sentence describes a nutritional property of the avocat.Tatoeba #10266067 by lbdx, translation #6028805 by grinleysspa
- Le menu propose une salade d'avocat en entrée.The menu offers an avocado salad as an appetizer.
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma and Lucas are making brunch in their kitchen.
- EmmaEst-ce qu'il reste un avocat ?Is there an avocado left?
- LucasOui, il y a un avocat bien mûr.Yes, there is one ripe avocado.
- EmmaParfait, je vais préparer du guacamole.Perfect, I am going to make some guacamole.
- LucasC'est une excellente idée, Emma.That is an excellent idea, Emma.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “avocado” translations and entries avocat, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries avocat, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
