éclair
/e.klɛʁ/
The English phrase 'eclair' is translated into French as éclair.
An éclair is an oblong pastry filled with cream and topped with icing.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word is masculine, so you use the masculine indefinite article un when referring to one (un éclair). To make the word plural, add an s to the end (des éclairs).
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 2 syllables and is pronounced /e.klɛʁ/.
Did you know?
- The word éclair means 'flash of lightning' in French. This refers to the pastry being eaten so quickly that it vanishes like a bolt of lightning.
- Because the word éclair means 'lightning', if you describe a person as un éclair, you are suggesting they are incredibly fast or brilliant.
- Although an éclair is sweet, its base dough pâte à choux is also used for the savory gougère, which is a cheese puff served as an appetizer.
Examples in context
- Je voudrais un éclair au chocolat, s'il vous plaît.I would like a chocolate éclair, please.
- Cet éclair à la vanille est délicieux.This vanilla éclair is delicious.
- Est-ce qu'il reste un éclair dans la boîte ?Is there an éclair left in the box?
Example conversation
Emma and Lucas are at a French bakery.
- EmmaRegarde cet éclair, il a l'air trop bon !Look at this éclair, it looks too good!
- LucasTu as raison, Emma, prenons-en deux.You're right, Emma, let's take two.
- EmmaJe vais prendre l'éclair au café.I'm going to take the coffee éclair.
- LucasEt moi, je choisirai le chocolat.And I will choose the chocolate one.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry éclair, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
