bourgeon
/buʁ.ʒɔ̃/masculine
The English phrase 'bud' can be translated into French as bourgeon. Wiktionary also lists bouton.
Meaning: newly formed leaf or flower that has not yet unfolded (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| bourgeon | /buʁ.ʒɔ̃/ | masculine |
| bouton | /bu.tɔ̃/ | masculine |
In a botanical context, a bud refers to a newly formed leaf or flower that has not yet unfolded. The related verb bourgeonner is used to describe the process of buds appearing on plants or trees during the spring, or the biological process of reproducing by splitting off buds.
Which one should you use?
While bourgeon refers to the botanical structure of a bud, bouton is the more common word used specifically for a flower bud, such as a rose bud.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Both bourgeon and bouton are masculine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
The word bourgeon is pronounced /buʁ.ʒɔ̃/. It has 2 syllables.
Did you know?
- In French, the word bouton also refers to a pimple or a skin rash. This is because a blemish on the skin is viewed as a small bud pushing through the surface.
- While bouton means 'bud' in a garden, it is also the standard French word for a 'button' on a shirt.
- The verb bourgeonner is frequently used as a metaphor for a project, an idea, or a romance that is just beginning to develop.
Examples in context
- Les arbres commencent à bourgeonner.The trees are beginning to bud.This sentence is useful for seeing the verb bourgeonner in use with trees.Tatoeba #3644792 by sacredceltic, translation #323661 by CK
- Les arbres bourgeonnent.The trees are in bud.This sentence shows the use of the verb form of bourgeon to describe trees being in bud.Tatoeba #7563250 by Micsmithel, translation #323656 by sundown
- Qu'il plaise à Dieu que je sois parmi les roses, qui pour t'embrasser se penchent tandis que tu balances, alors que sur la plus basse branche un bourgeon se déploie, un bourgeon se déploie, pour te toucher, ma Reine.Yea, would to God, I were among the roses, That lean to kiss you as you float between While on the lowest branch a bud uncloses A bud uncloses, to touch you, my queen.This sentence provides a poetic example of the noun bourgeon unfolding.Tatoeba #916014 by sacredceltic, translation #915884 by Buacity10
- Ça fait plaisir de te voir, pote !Great to see you, bud!
- On se retrouve chez moi, mec ?Shall we meet at my place, dude?
Example conversation
Nathan and Chloé are walking through a garden in early spring.
- NathanRegarde ce petit bourgeon sur la branche.Look at this little bud on the branch.
- ChloéC'est magnifique, il va bientôt fleurir.It's beautiful, it will bloom soon.
- NathanLe printemps arrive enfin avec chaque bourgeon.Spring is finally arriving with every bud.
- ChloéOui, la nature se réveille doucement.Yes, nature is slowly waking up.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bud” translations and entries bourgeon, bouton, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
