petits pains
The English word 'buns' is translated into French as petits pains.
The term refers to small, rounded pieces of bread or sweet rolls.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase petits pains literally translates to 'small breads'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, Canada, buns can be called Pain rond, which literally translates to 'round bread'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase is masculine. The singular form is petit pain. When using the plural form petits pains, the plural marker -s must be added to both the adjective and the noun.
Did you know?
- In French slang, the word pain is used in the expression se prendre un pain, which means to be slapped in the face.
- In some regions, a petit pain might be referred to as a pistolet, a small, elongated bun typical of Northern France and Belgium.
- While petits pains are common, the specific bun used for hamburgers in France is often called a bun using the English word.
Examples in context
- Elle a réchauffé les petits pains au four.She reheated the buns in the oven.This sentence shows how to use petits pains when describing reheating them in an oven.Tatoeba #14032776 by Myrano_, translation #11879596 by Amastan
- Lorsque nous nous sommes réveillés, grand-père avait apporté des petits pains frais pour le petit déjeuner.When we woke up, Grandfather had brought fresh buns for breakfast.This sentence demonstrates the use of petits pains in the context of a breakfast.Tatoeba #6058840 by christian63, translation #6060937 by colwem
- Le boulanger a rempli les petits pains de crème pâtissière.The baker filled the buns with custard.This sentence illustrates using petits pains when describing them being filled with custard.Tatoeba #13108819 by carlosalberto, translation #11880983 by Amastan
Example conversation
Léa and Lucas are preparing a picnic in the park.
- LéaLucas, as-tu pris les petits pains pour le pique-nique ?Lucas, did you take the buns for the picnic?
- LucasOui, ils sont dans mon sac à dos.Yes, they are in my backpack.
- LéaSuper, j'ai très faim !Great, I am very hungry!
- LucasOn va manger bientôt, ne t'inquiète pas.We will eat soon, don't worry.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
