bicarbonate de soude
/bi.kaʁ.bɔ.nat də sud/masculine
The English phrase baking soda is translated into French as bicarbonate de soude.
bicarbonate de soude is used as a leavening agent in baking.
Meaning: common name for sodium bicarbonate (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to 'bicarbonate of soda'.
Which one should you use?
bicarbonate de soude is the common name for baking soda, while bicarbonate de sodium is the more technical chemical name for sodium bicarbonate.
How does it change in a sentence?
bicarbonate de soude is a masculine noun.
Did you know?
- Unlike English, where 'soda' can mean a carbonated drink, the word soude in bicarbonate de soude is never used to refer to a beverage.
- In France, you might find bicarbonate de soude in the beauty aisle, where it is used as a natural toothpaste or a deodorizer.
- The word soude in bicarbonate de soude traces back to the Italian word 'soda', which itself refers to the ashes used in ancient glassmaking.
Examples in context
- La recette exige une demi-cuillère à café de bicarbonate de soude.The recipe calls for half a teaspoon of baking soda.
- Le bicarbonate de soude est dans le placard.The baking soda is in the cupboard.
- J'ai besoin de bicarbonate de soude pour ce gâteau.I need baking soda for this cake.
- Tu peux acheter du bicarbonate de soude, s'il te plaît ?Can you buy some baking soda, please?
Example conversation
Nathan and Emma are in the kitchen preparing to bake.
- NathanEmma, est-ce qu'il reste du bicarbonate de soude ?Emma, is there any baking soda left?
- EmmaNon, il n'y a plus de bicarbonate de soude.No, there is no more baking soda.
- NathanJe vais en chercher au magasin tout de suite.I will go get some at the store right away.
- EmmaMerci, Nathan, c'est très gentil.Thank you, Nathan, that is very kind.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “baking soda” translations and entries bicarbonate de soude, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, soude, CC BY-SA 4.0.
