j'ai un bec sucré
In French, "I have a sweet tooth" is translated as j'ai un bec sucré.
This phrase is used to say that someone has a strong liking for sweet foods.
What does it mean word for word?
The expression is built around the word bec, which literally means "beak".
Which one should you use?
While English uses the word 'tooth', the French idiom uses the word 'beak' (bec) to express the same idea.
Did you know?
- While j'ai un bec sucré is understood, French speakers often use the phrase être gourmand to describe someone who loves sweets. Unlike the English word 'greedy', gourmand is frequently used as a compliment or a playful personality trait.
- The term bec used in this idiom traces its roots back to the Gaulish word *beccos, a remnant of the Celtic languages spoken before the Roman conquest of France.
- The French language distinguishes between gourmand, who loves eating sweets and rich foods, and gourmet, who is an expert in fine dining. A person with a bec sucré is almost always a gourmand rather than a gourmet.
Examples in context
- J'adore les desserts, j'ai un faible pour les sucreries, en particulier le chocolat.I love desserts, I have a sweet tooth, especially for chocolate.
- Je ne peux pas résister aux desserts sucrés, je suis complètement accro au sucre.I can't resist sweet desserts, I am completely addicted to sugar.
- J'ai un bec sucré, donc je vais prendre un dessert.I have a sweet tooth, so I will have a dessert.
- Comme j'ai un bec sucré, j'adore les pâtisseries.Since I have a sweet tooth, I love pastries.
Example conversation
Lucas and Manon are looking at a menu in a bakery.
- LucasRegarde tous ces gâteaux, Manon !Look at all these cakes, Manon!
- ManonC'est tentant, mais je n'ai pas faim.It's tempting, but I'm not hungry.
- LucasMoi si, j'ai un bec sucré aujourd'hui.I am, I have a sweet tooth today.
- ManonAlors, choisis vite ton gâteau, Lucas.Then choose your cake quickly, Lucas.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bec, j'ai, un, CC BY-SA 4.0.
