Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| pissenlit | /pi.sɑ̃.li/ | masculine |
| dent-de-lion | /dɑ̃.də.ljɔ̃/ | Switzerland, masculine |
| baraban | /ba.ʁa.bɑ̃/ | masculine |
pissenlit is a masculine noun used to refer to the wild flower of the genus Taraxacum. This term can also be used when referring to the plant in a culinary context. Additionally, the term chicorée sauvage can be used to refer to the dandelion when discussing its culinary uses.
Which one should you use?
While pissenlit is the standard term, dent-de-lion is used specifically in Switzerland. The term baraban is also a masculine noun for the plant.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Switzerland, the term dent-de-lion is used.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
All forms provided, including pissenlit, dent-de-lion and baraban, are masculine nouns. The word pissenlit can also function as an adjective to describe something of a yellow color.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has three syllables and is pronounced /pi.sɑ̃.li/.
Did you know?
- The common French name pissenlit literally translates to 'piss in bed', a blunt reference to the plant's diuretic properties.
- The name dent-de-lion is not about the color of the flower, but is a morphological description of the jagged, serrated edges of the leaves.
Examples in context
- Le pissenlit est une plante vivace.The dandelion is a perennial plant.
- J'aime ajouter du pissenlit à ma salade pour une touche d'amertume.I like to add dandelion to my salad for a touch of bitterness.
- Un pissenlit pousse dans le jardin.A dandelion is growing in the garden.
- Regarde ce joli pissenlit jaune.Look at this pretty yellow dandelion.
- Il y a un pissenlit sur le chemin.There is a dandelion on the path.
Example conversation
Gabriel and Manon are walking in a field during spring.
- GabrielManon, regarde ce gros pissenlit !Manon, look at this big dandelion!
- ManonIl est très beau, Gabriel.It is very beautiful, Gabriel.
- GabrielJe vais souffler sur le pissenlit.I am going to blow on the dandelion.
- ManonFais un vœu en le faisant !Make a wish while doing it!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “dandelion” translations and entries pissenlit, dent-de-lion, baraban, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries dent-de-lion, pissenlit, CC BY-SA 4.0.
