nouilles
The French word for noodles is nouilles.
nouilles is a general term for strips of dough made from flour and water or eggs. You can use the phrase nouilles instantanées to specifically refer to instant noodles or ramen packets.
Which one should you use?
While nouilles refers specifically to long, thin strips of dough (often associated with Asian cuisine), the broader term pâtes is used for pasta in general, such as spaghetti or penne.
How does it change in a sentence?
When referring to a dish of noodles, the word is almost always used in the plural form nouilles.
Did you know?
- If a French speaker calls someone a nouille molle, they are calling them spineless or lacking in courage, literally meaning a 'soft noodle'.
- In French, the word nouille can sometimes be used as a mild, affectionate insult for someone who is a bit of a 'dummy', similar to calling someone a 'goof'.
- In some regions, the term nouilles was historically used to describe any long, thin dough, including traditional French regional pastas before Asian cuisine became popular.
Examples in context
- Aimes-tu les nouilles au bœuf ?Do you like noodles with beef?This sentence is useful for asking if someone likes noodles with beef.Tatoeba #4586641 by pfpillon, translation #4576592 by shanghainese
- Je veux manger des nouilles chinoises.I want to eat Chinese noodles.This sentence is useful for expressing a desire to eat Chinese noodles.Tatoeba #3780246 by kamillel, translation #3777898 by CK
- Est-ce considéré comme impoli d'aspirer des nouilles bruyamment ?Is it considered rude to slurp noodles?This sentence is useful for asking about the etiquette of slurping noodles.Tatoeba #12382014 by lbdx, translation #10762837 by CK
- Je voudrais des nouilles chinoises, s'il vous plaît.I would like some Chinese noodles, please.
- Où puis-je trouver des nouilles instantanées?Where can I find instant noodles?
- Quels sont les différents types de nouilles asiatiques?What are the different types of Asian noodles?
- Connaissez-vous des recettes à base de pâtes soba?Do you know any recipes with soba noodles?
- 13 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A casual lunch at a small Asian restaurant.
- HugoEst-ce qu'il reste des nouilles dans le bol ?Are there any noodles left in the bowl?
- LéaOui, il en reste un peu.Yes, there are a few left.
- HugoTu peux m'en donner quelques-unes ?Can you give me some?
- LéaBien sûr, tiens.Of course, here you go.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
