vin sec
The English phrase "dry wine" is translated into French as vin sec.
The term vin sec is used to describe wine that is not sweet.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of vin (wine) and sec (dry).
Which one should you use?
While vin sec refers to dry wine, vin moelleux is the standard term for a sweet wine, particularly in the context of dessert wines.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the plural "dry wines", use vins secs.
Did you know?
- In French, the term sec is used in the idiom être à sec to mean that someone has completely run out of money.
- In French, the word sec can also describe a personality or a tone of voice, meaning 'curt' or 'sharp'. If someone responds to you in a ton sec, they are being abrupt rather than literally dry.
- The term sec shares a common root with the English word 'desiccate', coming from the Latin siccus.
Examples in context
- Nous proposons une excellente sélection de vins secs dans notre cave.We offer an excellent selection of dry wines in our cellar.
- Tu préfères un vin qui n'a pas de sucre?Do you prefer a wine without sugar?
- Ce vin est bien sec, avec une acidité rafraîchissante.This wine is very dry, with a refreshing acidity.
- Je préfère le vin sec au vin sucré.I prefer dry wine to sweet wine.
- Je préfère le vin sec.I prefer dry wine.
- Ce vin sec est excellent.This dry wine is excellent.
- Est-ce un vin sec ?Is it a dry wine?
Example conversation
Gabriel and Chloé are choosing a bottle of wine at a restaurant.
- GabrielTu veux du vin rouge ou blanc ?Do you want red or white wine?
- ChloéUn blanc, mais je veux un vin sec.A white, but I want a dry wine.
- GabrielJe suis d'accord, c'est meilleur.I agree, it is better.
- ChloéParfait, demandons au serveur.Perfect, let's ask the waiter.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries sec, vin, CC BY-SA 4.0.
