carvi
/kaʁ.vi/masculine
The French word for caraway is carvi.
carvi is a masculine noun used to refer to the seed or fruit.
Meaning: seed/fruit (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables and is pronounced /kaʁ.vi/.
Did you know?
- The word carvi shares a root with the English word 'caraway', as both ultimately trace back to the Arabic word karāwiyā.
- French culinary tradition uses carvi specifically in certain rye breads and charcuterie, distinguishing it from other seeds like anis or fenouil.
- The word carvi is a doublet of chervis, meaning both words entered French from the same original source but evolved into different forms.
Examples in context
- J'adore le goût prononcé du carvi dans les plats traditionnels.I love the pronounced taste of caraway in traditional dishes.
- Tu devrais essayer d'ajouter du carvi à ton pain à l'ail.You should try adding caraway to your garlic bread.
- La choucroute est délicieuse avec ses notes subtiles de carvi.Sauerkraut is delicious with its subtle caraway notes.
- Le carvi a un goût très fort.Caraway has a very strong taste.
- Il faut moudre le carvi pour la recette.You must grind the caraway for the recipe.
Example conversation
Manon and Lucas are cooking together in the kitchen.
- ManonLucas, où est le carvi ?Lucas, where is the caraway?
- LucasC'est dans le placard, Manon.It is in the cupboard, Manon.
- ManonMerci, je vais en mettre un peu.Thanks, I am going to put a little in.
- LucasD'accord, ça donnera beaucoup de goût.Okay, that will give it a lot of flavor.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “caraway” translations and entries carvi, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries carvi, CC BY-SA 4.0.
