parmesan
/paʁ.mə.zɑ̃/
The English phrase "parmesan cheese" is translated into French as parmesan.
The word parmesan is used as a shorthand for "parmesan cheese" in French, just as in English.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has three syllables and is pronounced /paʁ.mə.zɑ̃/.
Did you know?
- In French gastronomy, parmesan is frequently paired with vin blanc or even drizzled with honey to be served as a dessert or appetizer.
- In France, if you buy parmesan from a supermarket, it is often a generic hard cheese, but Parmigiano Reggiano is the only name allowed for the authentic product from Italy.
- The word parmesan is a linguistic cousin to the Italian city 'Parma', which is the historical heart of the cheese's production.
Examples in context
- Je souhaite acheter du fromage Parmesan pour ma recette.I would like to buy some Parmesan cheese for my recipe.
- Tu peux passer le Parmesan, s'il te plaît?Can you pass the Parmesan, please?
- J'ai apporté du parmesan pour la raclette.I brought some Parmesan cheese for the raclette.
- J'aime beaucoup le parmesan.I like parmesan a lot.
- Il reste du parmesan dans le frigo ?Is there any parmesan left in the fridge?
- Est-ce que tu veux du parmesan sur tes pâtes ?Do you want some parmesan on your pasta?
Example conversation
Lucas and Emma are making dinner in their kitchen.
- LucasEmma, est-ce qu'il y a du parmesan ?Emma, is there any parmesan?
- EmmaOui, il y en a un peu.Yes, there is a little bit.
- LucasParfait, je vais en râper sur les pâtes.Perfect, I am going to grate some over the pasta.
- EmmaC'est une excellente idée, Lucas.That is an excellent idea, Lucas.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry parmesan, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries parmesan, CC BY-SA 4.0.
