orchidée
/ɔʁ.ki.de/feminine
The English word orchid is translated into French as orchidée.
The word refers to the type of plant known as an orchid.
Meaning: plant (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
orchidée is a feminine noun. When you want to say an orchid, you use the feminine indefinite article une (une orchidée) rather than the masculine un. To form the plural, add -es to the end of the word to get orchidées (les orchidées).
How do you pronounce it?
The word has three syllables: /ɔʁ.ki.de/.
Did you know?
- The word orchidée comes from the Ancient Greek word órkhis, which means 'testicle'. This is because the twin tubers of some orchid species look like male anatomy.
- In French culture, giving orchidées is often seen as a more sophisticated and enduring gesture than giving roses, symbolizing luxury and rare beauty.
- In French high perfumery, the word orchidée is often used as a marketing term to evoke 'sensuality' or 'exoticism' rather than simply describing a floral scent.
Examples in context
- J'ai acheté une magnifique orchidée blanche pour ma mère.I bought a beautiful white orchid for my mother.
- Les orchidées sauvages sont rares et protégées dans cette région.Wild orchids are rare and protected in this region.
- Cette orchidée est magnifique.This orchid is magnificent.
- J'ai acheté une orchidée blanche.I bought a white orchid.
- Il faut arroser l'orchidée régulièrement.You must water the orchid regularly.
Example conversation
Emma and Lucas are at a flower shop.
- EmmaRegarde cette orchidée violette, Lucas !Look at this purple orchid, Lucas!
- LucasElle est vraiment superbe.It is truly superb.
- EmmaEst-ce qu'elle est facile à entretenir ?Is it easy to care for?
- LucasOui, elle demande juste un peu de lumière.Yes, it just needs a little light.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “orchid” translations and entries orchidée, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries orchidée, CC BY-SA 4.0.
