renoncule
/ʁə.nɔ̃.kyl/
The English word buttercup is translated into French as renoncule. Wiktionary also lists grenouillette and fleur de l'impatience.
Meaning: herb of the genus Ranunculus (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA |
|---|---|
| renoncule | /ʁə.nɔ̃.kyl/ |
| grenouillette | |
| fleur de l'impatience | |
| gobet du diable |
The term refers to an herb of the genus Ranunculus.
Which one should you use?
While renoncule is the standard term, other forms such as grenouillette, fleur de l'impatience and gobet du diable are also used to refer to this plant.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ʁə.nɔ̃.kyl/ and consists of 3 syllables.
Did you know?
- In French, renoncule is derived from the Latin word rānunculus, which literally means 'little frog'.
- While 'buttercup' sounds sweet and edible in English, the French name gobet du diable evokes much darker folklore by bringing the 'devil' into the garden.
- The term renoncule is used in French to describe plants that can be dangerous to cattle, despite the flower's delicate appearance.
Examples in context
- La renoncule est une fleur jaune souvent trouvée dans les prairies.The buttercup is a yellow flower often found in the meadows.
- Cette renoncule est d'un jaune éclatant.This buttercup is a bright yellow.
- J'ai trouvé une petite renoncule dans le jardin.I found a little buttercup in the garden.
- La renoncule pousse souvent près de l'eau.The buttercup often grows near the water.
Example conversation
Lucas and Manon are walking through a meadow.
- LucasRegarde cette belle renoncule, Manon.Look at this beautiful buttercup, Manon.
- ManonElle est magnifique, Lucas.It is magnificent, Lucas.
- LucasEst-ce qu'elle est sauvage ?Is it wild?
- ManonOui, elle pousse ici naturellement.Yes, it grows here naturally.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “buttercup” translations and entries renoncule, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, diable, du, fleur, renoncule, CC BY-SA 4.0.
