un œuf
un œuf is the French phrase for "one egg".
This phrase is used to refer to a single egg.
Which one should you use?
The pronunciation of the word for egg changes significantly between the singular and plural forms. In the singular form un œuf, the f is pronounced, whereas in the plural form des œufs, the f is silent.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the singular form un œuf, the word un functions as both the number "one" and the indefinite article "a". When moving to the plural form des œufs, both the s and the f are silent.
Did you know?
- The word œuf traces back to the Classical Latin word ōvum, which is also the source of the English scientific prefix 'ovo-' found in words like 'ovarian'.
- The character œ in œuf is called a ligature, a single glyph created by merging the letters o and e.
- In French, the word œuf is used in the idiom mettre tous ses œufs dans le même panier, which means to risk everything on a single venture.
Examples in context
- Il a sorti un œuf.He took out one egg.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use un œuf in a simple action.Tatoeba #7290601 by Aiji, translation #1360513 by CK
- Je voudrais acheter un œuf pour ma recette.I would like to buy one egg for my recipe.
- Dans cette recette, vous avez besoin d'un seul œuf.In this recipe, you need one single egg.
- Est-ce que tu peux me passer un œuf, s'il te plaît ?Can you pass me one egg, please?
- T'as seulement un seul œuf dans ton frigo ?Do you only have one egg in your fridge?
- Je voudrais un œuf, s'il vous plaît.I would like one egg, please.
- Il ne reste qu'un œuf dans le frigo.There is only one egg left in the fridge.
Example conversation
In a kitchen during breakfast preparation.
- GabrielEst-ce qu'il reste un œuf ?Is there one egg left?
- LéaOui, il reste juste un œuf.Yes, there is just one egg left.
- GabrielC'est parfait pour ma recette.That is perfect for my recipe.
- LéaD'accord, fais vite alors.Okay, then do it quickly.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries un, œuf, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
