oignon
/ɔ.ɲɔ̃/
The English word "bunion" is translated into French as oignon.
A bunion is a bump on the big toe.
Meaning: bump on the big toe (noun)
Which one should you use?
The formal way to say bunion in French is Hallux Valgus. The informal way to say bunion in French is oignon. You can use exostose de l'articulation du gros orteil to refer to a bunion in certain contexts.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɔ.ɲɔ̃/
Did you know?
- The French word for 'bunion' is exactly the same word used for the 'onion' vegetable oignon.
- Because oignon means both 'bunion' and 'onion', a French speaker saying 'I have an onion' could be describing a foot problem or a recipe.
- The word oignon contains a silent 'i' that often confuses students who expect to hear the 'i' sound as in the English 'onion'.
Examples in context
- Mon grand-père souffre d'un oignon douloureux à son pied.My grandfather suffers from a painful bunion on his foot.
- J'ai un oignon au gros orteil.I have a bunion on my big toe.
- Cet oignon est très douloureux.This bunion is very painful.
- Elle doit soigner son oignon.She needs to treat her bunion.
Example conversation
Hugo and Chloé are talking about footwear at home.
- HugoCes chaussures me font mal.These shoes hurt me.
- ChloéEst-ce que c'est à cause de ton oignon ?Is it because of your bunion?
- HugoOui, mon oignon est très rouge.Yes, my bunion is very red.
- ChloéTu devrais porter des chaussures plus larges.You should wear wider shoes.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry oignon, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
