fève
/fɛv/feminine
The English phrase broad bean is translated into French as fève. Wiktionary also lists fèverole.
Meaning: ''Vicia faba'' (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| fève | /fɛv/ | feminine |
| fèverole | /fɛ.vʁɔl/ /fe.vʁɔl/ |
feminine |
The term refers to the plant species Vicia faba.
Which one should you use?
While fève refers to the broad bean, it is distinct from haricot, which is used for common beans like kidney or green beans. The term fèverole is a synonym for fève that is often used in a more technical or botanical context.
How do you pronounce it?
/fɛv/
When do people say it?
In French tradition, a fève is the small porcelain or plastic charm hidden inside a galette des rois (King Cake) to determine who becomes king for the day.
Did you know?
- In the Middle Ages, the fève was used as a tool for divination. It was believed that the way a bean fell or was drawn could predict the future or reveal a person's destiny.
- Historically, the 'charm' inside the galette des rois was an actual dried fève before being replaced by porcelain or plastic figurines.
- The word fève is a cognate with the Spanish haba and the Italian fava, showing how the Latin faba evolved across the Romance languages.
Examples in context
- Les fèves sont excellentes pour la santé.Broad beans are excellent for your health.
- Il reste une fève dans l'assiette.There is one broad bean left on the plate.
- Cette fève est très grande.This broad bean is very large.
Example conversation
Hugo and Léa are shopping at a farmers market.
- HugoLéa, regarde ces belles fèves !Léa, look at these beautiful broad beans!
- LéaElles ont l'air très bonnes, Hugo.They look very good, Hugo.
- HugoOn en prend un kilo pour le dîner ?Shall we take a kilo for dinner?
- LéaOui, j'adore la fève avec du beurre.Yes, I love broad bean with butter.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “broad bean” translations and entries fève, fèverole, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries fève, fèverole, CC BY-SA 4.0.
