pépite
/pe.pit/
The English word "nugget" is translated into French as pépite.
Figuratively, it is used to describe a hidden gem, a brilliant idea or something of great value.
Meaning: small piece of food (noun)
Which one should you use?
While pépite is the translation for a nugget of gold or a gem, French speakers often use the English loanword nugget specifically when referring to the processed food item known as a chicken nugget.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of pépite is pépites.
How do you pronounce it?
/pe.pit/
Did you know?
- In French culinary terms, a pépite de chocolat is what English speakers call a 'chocolate chip'.
- In French, someone might call a person a pépite if they are an exceptionally talented or promising young person, much like calling them a 'rising star' in English.
- The word pépite is derived from the Spanish word pepita.
Examples in context
- Ce projet est une pépite d'or.This project is a gold nugget.This sentence illustrates using pépite to describe a valuable project.Tatoeba #804000 by U2FS, translation #1723234 by belgavox
- pépite d'orGold nuggetThis phrase shows the common way to say a gold nugget.
- Cette petite pépite de fromage est délicieuse.This little nugget of cheese is delicious.
Example conversation
Gabriel and Chloé are sharing a snack at home.
- GabrielTu veux goûter cette pépite de chocolat ?Do you want to taste this chocolate nugget?
- ChloéOui, elle a l'air très bonne.Yes, it looks very good.
- GabrielTiens, la voici pour toi.Here, here it is for you.
- ChloéMerci, c'est vraiment très sucré.Thanks, it is really very sweet.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry pépite, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries pépite, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR, Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
