brandy
/bʁɑ̃.di/masculine
The English word brandy can be translated into French as brandy or eau-de-vie.
Meaning: liquor (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| brandy | /bʁɑ̃.di/ | masculine |
| eau-de-vie | /o.d(ə).vi/ |
Both terms refer to liquor. brandy refers specifically to the spirit, while eau-de-vie is a more general term used to describe any distilled spirit or clear fruit brandy.
What does it mean word for word?
The term eau-de-vie literally translates to "water of life".
Which one should you use?
While brandy is used for the specific spirit, eau-de-vie is a broader term for any clear fruit brandy or distilled spirit.
How does it change in a sentence?
brandy is a masculine noun, whereas eau-de-vie is grammatically feminine.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of brandy is /bʁɑ̃.di/ and has two syllables.
When do people say it?
Note that Cognac is a specific type of brandy produced in the Cognac region of France.
Did you know?
- In France, calling a Cognac brandy can be seen as a slight, as brandy is often used to describe lower-quality spirits produced outside of regulated French regions.
- While eau-de-vie is a liquor, the phrase is also used in French pharmacies to describe various medicinal tinctures and alcohol-based remedies.
- The term eau-de-vie is a literal translation of the Latin 'aqua vitae', making it a linguistic fossil that has survived from the Middle Ages.
Examples in context
- Je t'apporterai du brandy.I'll get you some brandy.This sentence shows how to offer someone some brandy.Tatoeba #5801863 by Toynop, translation #4915806 by CK
- Ne buvez pas trop d'eau-de-vie !Do not drink too much brandy!This sentence uses eau-de-vie in a warning about drinking too much.Tatoeba #6096050 by christian63, translation #6096490 by carlosalberto
- Préférez-vous boire de la bière ou de l'eau-de-vie ?Do you prefer to drink beer or brandy?This sentence uses eau-de-vie to ask about a preference between beer and brandy.Tatoeba #6824981 by felix63, translation #6825515 by Eccles17
- J'ai récemment découvert une excellente eau-de-vie française.I recently discovered an excellent French brandy.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gabriel and Chloé are relaxing in the living room after dinner.
- GabrielTu veux un verre de brandy, Chloé ?Do you want a glass of brandy, Chloé?
- ChloéOui, je veux bien, merci Gabriel.Yes, I would like some, thank you Gabriel.
- GabrielCe brandy vient de France.This brandy comes from France.
- ChloéIl a un goût très raffiné.It has a very refined taste.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “brandy” translations and entries brandy, eau-de-vie, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries eau-de-vie, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
