chou-fleur
/ʃu.flœʁ/masculine
The English phrase cauliflower is translated into French as chou-fleur.
chou-fleur is a masculine noun used to refer to the vegetable.
Meaning: vegetable (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The term is a compound noun made of chou, meaning cabbage and fleur, meaning flower.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using the plural form, both parts of the compound noun are pluralized, as in des choux-fleurs.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʃu.flœʁ/
Did you know?
- French has a specific word for the 'curd' or the white head of the chou-fleur, which is la pomme. This literally translates to 'the apple'.
- While chou-fleur describes the vegetable, the word chou also refers to a 'cream puff' pastry. These are called choux because the baked dough resembles a small cabbage.
- In French, the word chou is used as a common term of endearment, similar to 'sweetheart' or 'darling'. You might hear someone call their partner mon petit chou regardless of any connection to the vegetable.
Examples in context
- Quelle puanteur ! Tu fais cuire du chou-fleur ?What a stench! Are you cooking some cauliflower?This sentence illustrates how to ask about cooking the vegetable chou-fleur.Tatoeba #9117989 by lbdx, translation #2755107 by mervert1
- J'aime le brocoli, mais je déteste le chou-fleur.I like broccoli, but I hate cauliflower.This sentence compares a preference for broccoli with a dislike for chou-fleur.Tatoeba #8872530 by lbdx, translation #2700254 by CK
- Madame, où puis-je trouver du chou-fleur frais?Madam, where can I find fresh cauliflower?
- Je recherche une recette délicieuse à base de chou-fleur.I'm looking for a delicious recipe using cauliflower.
- Ce chou-fleur est très frais.This cauliflower is very fresh.
Example conversation
Hugo and Manon are at the grocery store.
- HugoEst-ce que tu veux un chou-fleur ?Do you want a cauliflower?
- ManonNon, je préfère les carottes.No, I prefer carrots.
- HugoD'accord, je prends juste des pommes.Okay, I will just take some apples.
- ManonBonne idée, Hugo.Good idea, Hugo.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cauliflower” translations and entries chou-fleur, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
