baguettes
The French phrase for chopsticks is baguettes.
The term baguettes is the most common and widely understood way to refer to chopsticks in French.
Which one should you use?
The word baguettes is ambiguous because it is used for both the eating utensils and the long, thin French bread. To avoid confusion with bread, you can use the phrase baguettes chinoises to specify that you mean Chinese chopsticks.
How does it change in a sentence?
While English speakers usually refer to the pair as 'chopsticks', in French you can refer to a single stick as une baguette.
Did you know?
- In French, the word baguette is used for any thin, rod-shaped object, including the magic wand used by a wizard or a fairy.
- Drumsticks used in a drum kit are called baguettes in French.
- The term baguettes is also used in French for the small sticks used to hold the edges of a canvas in painting.
Examples in context
- Il sait manger avec des baguettes.He knows how to eat with chopsticks.This sentence is useful for practicing the use of baguettes to describe an ability.Tatoeba #8165595 by Gaeiie, translation #1751598 by Amastan
- Sais-tu manger avec des baguettes ?Do you know how to eat with chopsticks?This sentence is useful for asking someone if they can use baguettes.Tatoeba #4486675 by sicerabibax, translation #3122651 by chajadan
- Je n'ai jamais mangé avec des baguettes.I have never eaten with chopsticks.This sentence is useful for expressing a lack of experience using baguettes.Tatoeba #1850562 by sacredceltic, translation #1847817 by CK
- Pourriez-vous me passer les baguettes, s'il vous plaît?Could you pass me the chopsticks, please?
- Tu peux me passer les baguettes chinoises, s'il te plaît?Can you pass me the chopsticks, please?
- 24 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A couple is eating sushi at a restaurant.
- ManonNathan, où sont les baguettes ?Nathan, where are the chopsticks?
- NathanElles sont juste ici, Manon.They are right here, Manon.
- ManonMerci, je ne trouve jamais les baguettes.Thanks, I never find the chopsticks.
- NathanJe t'aiderai la prochaine fois.I will help you next time.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
