crêpes
The French word for pancakes is crêpes.
The term crêpes is used to refer to the thin, delicate variety of pancakes.
Which one should you use?
While English speakers often distinguish between thick pancakes and thin ones, the French word crêpes specifically refers to the thin variety.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In certain regions like Brittany, savory pancakes made from buckwheat flour are specifically called galettes rather than crêpes.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun crêpe is feminine, so you would say une crêpe for a single pancake.
When do people say it?
In France, there is a specific holiday called La Chandeleur (Candlemas) that is dedicated to eating crêpes.
Did you know?
- The term crêpe is used in French fashion to describe a type of crimped fabric that mimics the wrinkled texture of a cooked pancake.
- During La Chandeleur, some people flip a crêpe in the pan with one hand while holding a gold coin in the other to ensure prosperity for the year.
- The tradition of eating crêpes on La Chandeleur originated as a way to welcome the return of the sun and the coming of spring.
Examples in context
- Ces crêpes sont délicieuses.These pancakes are delicious.This sentence is useful for describing how the crêpes taste.Tatoeba #13338782 by genes1s, translation #10089382 by CK
- J'ai fait des crêpes aujourd'hui.I made pancakes today.This sentence is useful for stating that you prepared crêpes.Tatoeba #7092028 by felix63, translation #11202996 by ddnktr
- Tu viens manger des crêpes chez moi ?Wanna come over to my place for pancakes?This sentence is useful for inviting someone to eat crêpes at your home.Tatoeba #748463 by Cocorico, translation #576630 by FeuDRenais2
- Les crêpes traditionnellesTraditional pancakes
- Les crêpes légèresLight pancakes
- Les crêpes finesThin pancakes
- Les crêpes sucréesSweet pancakes
- Les crêpes saléesSavory pancakes
- 9 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Léa are in the kitchen on a Sunday morning.
- LucasEst-ce qu'on fait des crêpes ce matin ?Are we making pancakes this morning?
- LéaOui, je vais préparer de la pâte.Yes, I am going to prepare the batter.
- LucasTu veux mettre du sucre ou du chocolat ?Do you want sugar or chocolate?
- LéaJe préfère le chocolat, s'il te plaît.I prefer chocolate, please.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
