gâteau
/ɡa.to/masculine
The French word for "gateau" is gâteau.
A gâteau is a rich, iced cake.
Meaning: rich, iced cake (noun)
Which one should you use?
While un gâteau refers to a single cake, une part de gâteau is used when referring to a single slice of cake.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of gâteau is gâteaux, where the 'x' is silent.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables and is pronounced /ɡa.to/.
Did you know?
- While English speakers say 'a piece of cake' to mean something easy, a French person might say 'c'est du gâteau' to express the same idea.
- While gâteau is the general term, a gâteau de voyage refers specifically to cakes designed to keep for several days without refrigeration.
- The word's origins trace back to a Proto-Indo-European root meaning 'to eat', linking it to the very act of consuming food.
Examples in context
- Je voudrais du gâteau, s'il vous plaît.I would like some cake, please.
- Le gâteau que vous avez préparé est délicieux.The cake you prepared is delicious.
- Avez-vous une recette traditionnelle de gâteau français?Do you have a traditional French cake recipe?
- Nous allons acheter un pain d'épices pour NoëlWe are going to buy a gingerbread cake for Christmas
- Ce gâteau est vraiment délicieux.This cake is truly delicious.
- Je voudrais un gâteau au chocolat.I would like a chocolate cake.
- Quel est ton gâteau préféré ?What is your favorite cake?
Example conversation
Chloé and Hugo are sitting in a small French bakery.
- ChloéRegarde ce magnifique gâteau en vitrine !Look at that magnificent cake in the window!
- HugoIl a l'air très bon, Chloé.It looks very good, Chloé.
- ChloéEst-ce que tu veux partager un gâteau ?Do you want to share a cake?
- HugoOui, c'est une excellente idée.Yes, that is an excellent idea.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “gateau” translations and entries gâteau, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries gâteau, CC BY-SA 4.0.
