citron ou citron vert
The phrase citron ou citron vert is the French way to say lemon or lime.
This phrase is used to express a choice between two different types of sour citrus fruits.
What does it mean word for word?
The term for lime, citron vert, is a literal translation of 'green lemon'.
Which one should you use?
In French, citron refers specifically to the yellow lemon, while citron vert is used to distinguish the lime from it.
Did you know?
- The word citron shares a surprising ancestral link with the word for 'cedar' or 'juniper' in Ancient Greek.
- In some French-speaking Caribbean territories, a citron vert is the standard citrus found in local markets, and the yellow citron is often viewed as an imported luxury.
- In certain contexts, such as in botanical or older French, citron might refer to the 'citron' fruit, which is much larger and bumpier than the common lemon.
Examples in context
- une limonade au citron vertA limeade
- du zeste de citronLemon zest
- du zeste de citron vertLime zest
- Voulez-vous du citron ou du citron vert dans votre thé ?Do you want lemon or lime in your tea?
Example conversation
Hugo and Manon are preparing a drink together.
- HugoQu'est-ce qu'on ajoute dans le verre ?What are we adding to the glass?
- ManonJe pense qu'il faut du citron ou citron vert.I think we need lemon or lime.
- HugoOn a les deux dans le frigo.We have both in the fridge.
- ManonPrends le citron vert alors, Hugo.Take the lime then, Hugo.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries citron, ou, vert, CC BY-SA 4.0.
