épi de maïs
The English phrase 'corn on the cob' is translated into French as épi de maïs.
Meaning: cooked ears of corn (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to 'ear of corn', where épi means 'ear' (of grain) and maïs means 'corn'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun épi is masculine. When referring to a single piece, you use the masculine indefinite article un to say un épi de maïs (an ear of corn).
Did you know?
- In some French-speaking regions like Quebec, you might hear blé d'Inde used instead of maïs to refer to corn.
- The word maïs has a Caribbean origin, having been borrowed from the Taíno word mahís via Spanish.
- The term épi is used for any head of grain, meaning you can use it for wheat or barley as well as corn.
Examples in context
- Je voudrais acheter du maïs en épi, s'il vous plaît.I would like to buy some corn on the cob, please.
- J'adore le maïs en épi grillé, surtout avec un peu de beurre salé.I love grilled corn on the cob, especially with some salted butter.
- Je voudrais un épi de maïs grillé, s'il vous plaît.I would like a grilled ear of corn, please.
- Je voudrais un épi de maïs grillé.I would like a grilled ear of corn.
- Il reste un épi de maïs sur le plat.There is one ear of corn left on the platter.
- L'enfant mange un épi de maïs entier.The child is eating a whole ear of corn.
Example conversation
Emma and Gabriel are having a barbecue in a garden.
- EmmaGabriel, tu veux un épi de maïs ?Gabriel, do you want an ear of corn?
- GabrielOui, merci Emma, ça a l'air délicieux.Yes, thanks Emma, it looks delicious.
- EmmaPrends-en un autre si tu as encore faim.Take another one if you are still hungry.
- GabrielC'est gentil, je vais en prendre un deuxième.That's kind, I will take a second one.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, maïs, épi, CC BY-SA 4.0.
