muguet
/my.ɡɛ/masculine
The English phrase lily of the valley is muguet in French.
muguet refers to the plant Convallaria majalis. It is a common expression to say un brin de muguet when you are referring to a single stem or a small bunch of the flower.
Meaning: Convallaria majalis (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun muguet is masculine and is typically used with the definite article le.
How do you pronounce it?
/my.ɡɛ/
When do people say it?
In France, lily of the valley is associated with May Day celebrations and symbolizes luck, happiness and the arrival of spring.
Did you know?
- The word muguet is etymologically linked to the Sanskrit word muṣka, meaning 'testicle', because of the similar shape of the musk gland.
- Historically, the tradition of offering muguet is linked to the French monarchy, as Charles IX is said to have offered the flower to Catherine de' Medici in the 16th century.
Examples in context
- J'ai acheté un brin de muguet.I bought a sprig of lily of the valley.This sentence is useful for learning how to describe buying a sprig of muguet.Tatoeba #11728021 by lbdx, translation #11728020 by araneo
- Le muguet est considéré comme porte-bonheur en France.Lily of the valley is considered a good luck charm in France.
- La fleur de muguet est souvent offerte lors du 1er mai en France.The lily of the valley flower is often given on the 1st of May in France.
- Je te souhaite du bonheur comme le muguet .I wish you happiness like the lily of the valley.
- Le muguet sent très bon.The lily of the valley smells very good.
- Elle a offert un muguet à sa mère.She gave a lily of the valley to her mother.
Example conversation
Lucas and Manon are walking in a spring garden.
- LucasRegarde ce beau muguet dans le jardin.Look at this beautiful lily of the valley in the garden.
- ManonIl est vraiment magnifique, Lucas.It is truly magnificent, Lucas.
- LucasVeux-tu en cueillir un pour moi ?Do you want to pick one for me?
- ManonOui, avec plaisir !Yes, with pleasure!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “lily of the valley” translations and entries muguet, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries muguet, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
