gâteau au chocolat
masculine
The English phrase "chocolate cake" is gâteau au chocolat in French.
gâteau au chocolat is a masculine noun used to describe a cake that contains chocolate.
Meaning: cake containing chocolate (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "cake with chocolate".
How does it change in a sentence?
The preposition au is a contraction of à and le, used here to indicate that chocolate is the primary flavor or ingredient of the cake. To express the plural "chocolate cakes", change the singular gâteau to the plural gâteaux to get gâteaux au chocolat.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly say gâteau de chocolat. You should use au instead of de when describing a chocolate-flavored cake.
Did you know?
- The word chocolat entered French via Spanish, which in turn borrowed it from the Classical Nahuatl word chocolātl spoken in ancient Mexico.
- While gâteau au chocolat is the general term, a 'chocolate fondant' or 'molten lava cake' is specifically called a mi-cuit, meaning 'half-cooked'.
- If you ask for gâteau de chocolat in a bakery, you might sound like you are asking for a cake made entirely of solid chocolate bars.
Examples in context
- J'aime le gâteau au chocolat.I like chocolate cake.This sentence is useful for expressing a general liking for gâteau au chocolat.Tatoeba #7796421 by felix63, translation #7796650 by CK
- J'adore le gâteau au chocolat !I love chocolate cake!This sentence is useful for expressing a strong love for gâteau au chocolat.Tatoeba #14018447 by Rovo, translation #12884298 by Josephlingo
- Je voudrais du gâteau au chocolat.I'd like some chocolate cake.This sentence is useful for requesting some gâteau au chocolat.Tatoeba #7796415 by felix63, translation #7796652 by CK
- 15 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gabriel and Chloé are deciding on a dessert for a party.
- GabrielOn prépare un gâteau au chocolat ?Shall we make a chocolate cake?
- ChloéC'est une excellente idée, Gabriel !That is an excellent idea, Gabriel!
- GabrielTu as tous les ingrédients ?Do you have all the ingredients?
- ChloéOui, je peux faire le gâteau au chocolat.Yes, I can make the chocolate cake.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “chocolate cake” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries chocolat, gâteau, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
