graines de carvi
The English phrase "caraway seeds" is translated into French as graines de carvi.
The phrase refers to the dried seeds of the caraway plant used as a spice in cooking.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of graines (seeds), de (of) and carvi (caraway).
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun graines is feminine plural, while the spice name carvi remains invariable in this construction.
Did you know?
- While carvi refers to the spice, French speakers often use the word cumin for both caraway and cumin in casual conversation, which can lead to kitchen mistakes.
- The French word carvi entered the language via Medieval Latin, which had borrowed it from the Arabic word karāwiyā.
- The term graines de carvi is strongly linked to the identity of Alsatian sauerkraut, a regional specialty of eastern France.
Examples in context
- J'ajoute des graines de carvi au pain.I am adding caraway seeds to the bread.
- Il faut broyer les graines de carvi.You must crush the caraway seeds.
- Où sont les graines de carvi dans l'épicerie ?Where are the caraway seeds in the grocery store?
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries carvi, de, CC BY-SA 4.0.
