flétan
/fle.tɑ̃/masculine
The English word "halibut" is translated into French as flétan. Wiktionary also lists elbot.
Meaning: flatfish of the genus Hippoglossus (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| flétan | /fle.tɑ̃/ | masculine |
| elbot | /ɛl.bo/ | Belgium, masculine |
flétan refers to the flatfish of the genus Hippoglossus.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In certain Belgian dialects, the word elbot is used to refer to halibut.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /fle.tɑ̃/. It has two syllables.
Did you know?
- In French culinary contexts, flétan is often used as a luxury label for various large flatfish, sometimes including species that are not biologically halibut.
- The word flétan is likely derived from the Dutch word vleting.
- French speakers often distinguish between flétan and limande based on size and texture, even though both are types of flatfish.
Examples in context
- Monsieur, je vais prendre le flétan pour mon plat principalSir, I will have the halibut for my main course
- Je suis allé pêcher du gros flétan en BretagneI went fishing for halibut in Brittany
- L'hippoglosse est un poisson plat qui peut atteindre des tailles impressionnantesThe halibut is a flat fish that can reach impressive sizes
- Le flétan est très frais aujourd'hui.The halibut is very fresh today.
- Je voudrais commander un flétan.I would like to order a halibut.
- Ce flétan est délicieux avec du citron.This halibut is delicious with lemon.
Example conversation
A customer is ordering lunch at a seaside restaurant.
- LucasQuel est le poisson du jour ?What is the fish of the day?
- LéaC'est un beau flétan grillé.It is a beautiful grilled halibut.
- LucasParfait, je prends le flétan.Perfect, I will take the halibut.
- LéaTrès bon choix, Monsieur.Very good choice, sir.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “halibut” translations and entries flétan, elbot, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries elbot, flétan, CC BY-SA 4.0.
