noix
/nwa/feminine
The English word 'nut' can be translated into French as noix, fruit sec or fruit à coque.
Meaning: hard-shelled fruit (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| noix | /nwa/ /nwɑ/ |
feminine |
| fruit sec | /fʁɥi sɛk/ | masculine |
| fruit à coque | /fʁɥi a kɔk/ | masculine |
The word noix is typically used to refer to nuts in general. However, in many culinary contexts, noix specifically refers to a walnut. If you are referring to an almond, use amande or use noisette for a hazelnut.
Which one should you use?
While noix is the general term, fruit à coque is the technical and legal term used for labeling allergens on food packaging. Fruit sec is another way to refer to a nut.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word noix is the same in both its singular and plural forms.
How do you pronounce it?
/nwa/
Did you know?
- If you describe someone as une noix, you are not calling them a nut in the English sense of being 'crazy', as that idiom does not translate directly.
- The French word coque for 'shell' shares its root with the Latin word coccum, which originally referred to a small berry.
- The term fruit à coque is used on French food labels to warn about allergens, but you will rarely hear a French person use this phrase in a casual conversation.
Examples in context
- L'écureuil mange une noix.The squirrel is eating a nut.This sentence shows the use of noix in the singular.Tatoeba #10504578 by lbdx, translation #8345926 by Cxom
- J’ai jamais vu une noix aussi dure.I've never seen such a tough nut.This sentence illustrates the use of noix to describe a tough nut.Tatoeba #4410831 by gillux, translation #4414335 by pinkfreud
- Ne casse pas une noix avec un marteau de forgeron.Don't crack a nut with a sledgehammer.This sentence demonstrates using noix in the context of cracking a nut.Tatoeba #900477 by sacredceltic, translation #425193 by CK
- J'adore les noix.I love nuts.
- Les noisettes sont délicieuses dans les gâteaux.Hazelnuts are delicious in cakes.
- J'ai acheté des graines de tournesol et des noix pour grignoter.I bought sunflower seeds and nuts to snack on.
- Les cacahuètes sont souvent servies lors des fêtes.Peanuts are often served at parties.
- J'ajoute des pignons de pin dans ma salade.I add pine nuts to my salad.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma and Gabriel are preparing a dessert together.
- EmmaEst-ce qu'on a une noix pour le gâteau ?Do we have a nut for the cake?
- GabrielOui, il y a un sac de noix dans le placard.Yes, there is a bag of nuts in the cupboard.
- EmmaParfait, je vais casser une noix maintenant.Perfect, I am going to crack a nut now.
- GabrielFais attention à ne pas couper tes doigts, Emma.Be careful not to cut your fingers, Emma.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “nut” translations and entries noix, fruit sec, fruit à coque, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries coque, fruit, noix, sec, à, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
