bonhomme de pain d'épices
masculine
The English phrase "gingerbread man" is translated into French as bonhomme de pain d'épices. If unsure, use bonhomme de pain d'épices. Wiktionary also lists bonhomme de pain d'épice.
Meaning: a cookie in the shape of a person, flavored with ginger (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | Note |
|---|---|
| bonhomme de pain d'épices | masculine |
| bonhomme de pain d'épice | masculine |
This term describes a cookie in the shape of a person that is flavored with ginger. While bonhomme de pain d'épices refers specifically to the person-shaped cookie, the phrase pain d'épices refers to the gingerbread itself.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase bonhomme de pain d'épices literally translates to "little man of spice bread".
Which one should you use?
Both bonhomme de pain d'épices and bonhomme de pain d'épice are used to mean "gingerbread man".
How does it change in a sentence?
The nouns used in these forms are masculine.
Did you know?
- The word pain comes from the Latin pānem, which is the same root that gave English the word 'companion', as it originally meant someone you shared bread with.
- While bonhomme literally means 'good man', it is often used in French to describe a snowman, bonhomme de neige, or any simple, rounded human figure.
- In France, pain d'épices is often sold as a dense, cake-like loaf rather than just as cookies, and it is traditionally paired with tea or cider.
Examples in context
- J'ai acheté un délicieux pain d'épices en forme d'homme pour la fête de Noël.I bought a delicious gingerbread man for the Christmas party.
- Les enfants adorent les biscuits d'épices en forme d'homme.Kids love gingerbread cookies in the shape of a man.
- Regarde, maman, je vais manger ce bonhomme en pain d'épices !Look, Mom, I'm going to eat this gingerbread little man!
- Tu veux un bonhomme de pain d'épices avec ton thé ?Do you want a gingerbread man with your tea?
- Regarde ce joli bonhomme de pain d'épices.Look at this pretty gingerbread man.
- Je veux manger un bonhomme de pain d'épices.I want to eat a gingerbread man.
- Le bonhomme de pain d'épices est très dur.The gingerbread man is very hard.
Example conversation
Lucas and Emma are baking in a kitchen.
- LucasEmma, est-ce que tu as fini le bonhomme de pain d'épices ?Emma, did you finish the gingerbread man?
- EmmaOui, Lucas, il est prêt sur la table.Yes, Lucas, it is ready on the table.
- LucasIl a une très belle décoration.It has a very beautiful decoration.
- EmmaMerci, je suis contente qu'il te plaise.Thank you, I am glad you like it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “gingerbread man” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bonhomme, de, pain, CC BY-SA 4.0.
