pain d'épices
/pɛ̃ d‿e.pis/masculine, alternative form
Gingerbread in French is pain d'épices. Wiktionary also lists pain d'épice.
Meaning: type of cake (verb)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| pain d'épices | /pɛ̃ d‿e.pis/ | masculine, alternative form |
| pain d'épice | /pɛ̃ d‿e.pis/ | masculine |
The term refers to a type of cake. When you want to describe an object made out of gingerbread, you should use the preposition en before the phrase.
What does it mean word for word?
The term literally translates to bread of spice.
Which one should you use?
Both pain d'épice and pain d'épices are masculine forms used for gingerbread, with the latter being an alternative spelling of the former.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, Canada, an alternative name for gingerbread is gâteau aux épices.
How does it change in a sentence?
When describing an object made of gingerbread, use the preposition en before the phrase, such as in en pain d'épice.
How do you pronounce it?
/pɛ̃ d‿e.pis/
Did you know?
- In some French regions, pain d'épices is treated as a medicinal tonic rather than a dessert, historically used to soothe coughs and colds due to its honey and spice content.
- While 'gingerbread' in English is often associated with the ginger root, the French pain d'épices is a broader term that historically could include a blend of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg without any ginger at all.
- If you visit a traditional market in Alsace, you will see highly decorated, sculptural versions of pain d'épices that function more as edible art than a simple snack.
Examples in context
- Tom et Marie firent des écureuils en pain d'épices.Tom and Mary made some gingerbread squirrels.This sentence is useful for showing how to describe objects made of the pain d'épice.Tatoeba #5662801 by Yemana, translation #2916822 by Hybrid
- S'il te plaît, maman ! Je veux un écureuil en pain d'épices !Please mom, I want a gingerbread squirrel!This sentence is useful for expressing a desire for an object made of pain d'épice.Tatoeba #5662825 by Yemana, translation #3554562 by Hybrid
- J'ai beaucoup apprécié ce pain d'épices délicieux. Les saveurs complexes et l'arôme exquis en font un véritable plaisir culinaire.I greatly enjoyed this delicious gingerbread. The complex flavors and exquisite aroma make it a true culinary delight.
- Tu devrais goûter ce pain d'épices que j'ai fait aujourd'hui. Il est vraiment délicieux!You should taste this gingerbread I made today. It's really delicious!
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Chloé are at a bakery.
- LucasEst-ce que tu veux du pain d'épices ?Do you want some gingerbread?
- ChloéOui, j'en voudrais bien un morceau.Yes, I would like a piece of it.
- LucasJe vais en acheter deux parts alors.I will buy two portions then.
- ChloéMerci beaucoup, Lucas !Thank you very much, Lucas!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “gingerbread” translations and entries pain d'épices, pain d'épice, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
