semoule de maïs
The English word cornmeal is translated into French as semoule de maïs.
semoule de maïs refers to dried corn that has been milled into a coarse meal.
Meaning: dried corn milled to a coarse meal (noun)
Did you know?
- The word maïs has a surprising history, as it was borrowed from the Spanish word maíz, which itself comes from the Taíno word mahís used in the Caribbean.
- While semoule de maïs is the precise term for cornmeal, the word semoule is most commonly used by French speakers to refer to couscous in a culinary context.
- The term semoule is used in French to describe a specific texture of grain rather than just a specific plant source.
Examples in context
- Oui, j'ai une excellente recette! Il faut de la farine de maïs, du lait, des œufs, etc.Yes, I have a great recipe! You'll need cornmeal, milk, eggs, etc.
- Avez-vous de la farine de maïs pour réaliser une polenta?Do you have cornmeal to make polenta?
- Je voudrais de la semoule de maïs.I would like some cornmeal.
- Ajoutez la semoule de maïs dans la bouillie.Add the cornmeal to the porridge.
- Il reste de la semoule de maïs ?Is there any cornmeal left?
Example conversation
Léa is cooking in the kitchen and Hugo is helping her.
- HugoEst-ce qu'il manque de la semoule de maïs ?Is there any cornmeal missing?
- LéaOui, Hugo, il en faut encore.Yes, Hugo, we need more.
- HugoJe vais chercher de la semoule de maïs.I will go get some cornmeal.
- LéaMerci, c'est très gentil.Thank you, that is very kind.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, maïs, semoule, CC BY-SA 4.0.
