gastronome
/ɡas.tʁɔ.nɔm/
The English phrase 'gourmet' is translated into French as gastronome.
In French, 'gourmet' can be used as an adjective meaning fine or of superior quality, specifically when referring to food and drink. It can also function as a noun to describe a person who appreciates high-quality food.
Meaning: fine, of superior quality (of food and drink) (adj)
Which one should you use?
While the English word 'gourmet' can refer to a person, in French, gastronome is the more standard and formal noun used to describe an enthusiast or expert of fine dining.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
To describe someone with refined taste and a fondness for gourmet food in a formal context, you may use the term épicurien. For a more colloquial or informal way to describe someone who has a good palate or enjoys eating well, use fine gueule.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ɡas.tʁɔ.nɔm/. It has 3 syllables.
Did you know?
- The word gueule in the phrase fine gueule is normally a rude word for an animal's mouth. Using it for a human is usually an insult, unless it is part of this specific compliment.
- France's 'gastronomic meal' is recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity. This protects the social rituals of the gastronome as a global treasure.
- While gastronome implies a refined expert, the word gourmand describes someone who loves food to a fault or eats excessively. In French, the distinction is often between quality and quantity.
Examples in context
- Thomas est un gastronome.Tom is a gourmet.This sentence is useful for showing how to use gastronome when identifying a person as a gourmet.Tatoeba #7319201 by Blabla, translation #7347681 by Eccles17
- Il est reconnu comme un fin gastronome.He is known as a fine gastronome.
- Une soirée entre épicuriens.An evening among epicureans.
- Elle a un fin palais, elle peut distinguer les saveurs les plus délicates.She has a refined palate, she can distinguish the most delicate flavors.
Example conversation
Lucas and Chloé are discussing a new restaurant in town.
- LucasTu connais ce nouveau restaurant de la rue Haute ?Do you know this new restaurant on Rue Haute?
- ChloéOui, et c'est parfait pour un gastronome comme toi.Yes, and it is perfect for a gourmet like you.
- LucasVraiment ? Leurs plats sont-ils de grande qualité ?Really? Are their dishes of high quality?
- ChloéAbsolument, la cuisine est tout simplement délicieuse.Absolutely, the food is simply delicious.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry gastronome, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
