bœuf bourguignon
The English phrase beef stew is translated into French as bœuf bourguignon.
The word Ragoût translates to "stew."
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase bœuf bourguignon literally means beef from the Burgundy region.
Which one should you use?
Use ragoût de bœuf for a generic beef stew, whereas bœuf bourguignon refers specifically to the traditional French dish cooked with red wine.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the south of France, particularly in Provence, the term Daube is commonly used to refer to a slow-cooked beef stew with red wine, herbs and aromatic vegetables. In northern regions such as Flanders and Belgium, Carbonnade describes a beef stew made with beer and onions.
Did you know?
- In the French music scene, the word bœuf does not refer to meat, but to an improvised musical jam session. This comes from the name of a famous Parisian cabaret, 'Le Bœuf sur le toit'.
- A traditional bœuf bourguignon is often considered a peasant dish. It was originally a way to tenderize tough cuts of meat using the acidic red wine of the Burgundy region.
- In French, the word ragoût is derived from the verb ragoûter, which means to stimulate the appetite or make something tasty again.
Examples in context
- Je suis allé dans un petit bistro en Provence et ils servaient une daube absolument délicieuse !I went to a small bistro in Provence, and they served an absolutely delicious daube!
- J'adore le bœuf bourguignon.I love beef stew.
- Le bœuf bourguignon est prêt.The beef stew is ready.
- Tu veux manger du bœuf bourguignon ?Do you want to eat some beef stew?
Example conversation
A couple is deciding on dinner at home.
- ManonHugo, on mange du bœuf bourguignon ce soir ?Hugo, are we eating beef stew tonight?
- HugoOui, c'est une excellente idée, Manon.Yes, that is an excellent idea, Manon.
- ManonParfait, je vais préparer le bœuf bourguignon.Perfect, I am going to prepare the beef stew.
- HugoMerci, tu es la meilleure !Thank you, you are the best!
