épi de maïs
The English phrase 'ear of corn' is translated into French as épi de maïs.
This phrase is used to refer to the seed-bearing part of a corn plant, which is typically wrapped in a husk.
What does it mean word for word?
The word épi literally means 'spike' or 'ear' when used in a botanical context.
Did you know?
- The word épi is a doublet of the English word 'aspic', meaning they both share the same Latin ancestor spīcum.
- While épi de maïs refers to corn, the word épi is also used to describe a stubborn 'cowlick' or tuft of hair that refuses to lie flat.
- In French, épi is used for any spike-shaped grain head, meaning you use the same word for an 'ear' of wheat as you do for an épi de maïs.
Examples in context
- Regarde la taille de cet épi de maïs ! Il est énorme !Look at the size of that ear of corn! It's huge!This sentence is useful for demonstrating how to comment on the size of an épi de maïs.Tatoeba #12449220 by lbdx, translation #12449219 by rul
- Le fermier cultive de nombreux épis de maïs cette saison.The farmer is cultivating many ears of corn this season.
- Il y a un épi de maïs dans mon panier.There is an ear of corn in my basket.
- Peux-tu me donner cet épi de maïs ?Can you give me this ear of corn?
Example conversation
Manon and Nathan are preparing a barbecue.
- ManonNathan, peux-tu m'apporter un épi de maïs ?Nathan, can you bring me an ear of corn?
- NathanOui, je t'en apporte un tout de suite.Yes, I'll bring you one right away.
- ManonMerci, je vais le mettre sur le grill.Thanks, I'm going to put it on the grill.
- NathanC'est une excellente idée, j'adore ça !That's a great idea, I love it!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, maïs, épi, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
