râpe
/ʁap/feminine
The French word for grater is râpe.
râpe is a feminine noun referring to a tool used for grating.
Meaning: a tool with which one grates (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun râpe is closely related to the verb râper, which means to grate. When using the verb in the present tense, the forms are: Je râpe (I grate), Tu râpes (You grate), Il/elle râpe (He/she grates), Nous râpons (We grate), Vous râpez (You grate) and Ils/elles râpent (They grate). As râpe is a feminine noun, you use the feminine indefinite article une with it to say une râpe (a grater).
How do you pronounce it?
/ʁap/
Did you know?
- The physical sensation of an irritating fabric rubbing against the skin is described using the verb râper, treating the clothing like a coarse grater.
- Historically, pain râpé refers to breadcrumbs, which were created by using a râpe to break down dried bread for thickeners in sauces.
- While râpe refers to the kitchen tool, the word râpe also describes a coarse file used by carpenters and stonemasons to shape wood or stone.
Examples in context
- Avez-vous besoin d'une râpe ?Do you need a grater?This sentence is useful for asking if someone needs a râpe.Tatoeba #4083727 by Balamax, translation #4046090 by Balamax
- Je vais utiliser ma râpe pour râper les carottes.I'm going to use my grater to grate the carrots.
- Peux-tu me prêter ta râpe à fromage s'il te plaît ?Can you lend me your cheese grater, please?
- La râpe est sur le plan de travail.The grater is on the countertop.
- Où est la râpe pour le fromage ?Where is the grater for the cheese?
Example conversation
Manon is preparing a salad in the kitchen.
- HugoManon, où est la râpe ?Manon, where is the grater?
- ManonElle est dans le tiroir de la cuisine.It is in the kitchen drawer.
- HugoMerci, je vais râper les carottes.Thanks, I am going to grate the carrots.
- ManonD'accord, fais attention à tes doigts.Okay, be careful with your fingers.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “grater” translations and entries râpe, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
