haricots verts
The English phrase "green beans" is haricots verts in French.
haricots verts refers to the long, edible, green pods of a legume used as a vegetable.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the noun haricots (beans) and the adjective verts (green).
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form of the phrase is haricot vert. When using the plural form haricots verts, an s must be added to both the noun and the adjective.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often forget to make the adjective vert plural to match the noun haricots.
Did you know?
- The word haricot is a phonetic loanword from the Spanish 'algarrobo', which originally referred to a carob pod.
- Despite the plural spelling of haricots verts, the 's' at the end of both words is silent, making the plural sound identical to the singular haricot vert.
- In France, haricots verts are often served as a 'garniture', a side dish designed specifically to complement the main protein rather than as a standalone vegetable.
Examples in context
- J'adore cuisiner les haricots verts dans une sauce légère.I love cooking green beans in a light sauce.
- Je mange des haricots verts.I am eating green beans.
- Voulez-vous des haricots verts avec votre steak ?Do you want green beans with your steak?
- Il faut couper les haricots verts.The green beans must be cut.
Example conversation
Manon and Nathan are preparing dinner in the kitchen.
- ManonNathan, est-ce qu'on a des haricots verts ?Nathan, do we have any green beans?
- NathanOui, ils sont dans le réfrigérateur.Yes, they are in the refrigerator.
- ManonParfait, je vais les laver.Perfect, I will wash them.
- NathanMerci, Manon, tu es très efficace.Thank you, Manon, you are very efficient.
