galette
/ɡa.lɛt/
The French word for patty is galette.
A galette refers to a flat and round cake, often made from ingredients such as flour, potatoes or vegetables. In the context of a patty, it describes a portion of ground meat or vegetarian equivalent.
Meaning: portion of ground meat or vegetarian equivalent (noun)
Which one should you use?
While galette is used for a meat or vegetarian patty, it can also refer to a thin pancake or a savory crepe depending on the context.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ɡa.lɛt/. It has two syllables.
Did you know?
- French speakers sometimes use galette as slang for 'money'. This usage stems from the word's history as a term for a round coin.
- The word galette is the feminine form of galet, which means 'pebble'. This reveals that the French describe a patty by its physical resemblance to a smooth river stone.
- The term galette des rois refers to a festive cake eaten in January. It contains a hidden bean or coin, and the person who finds it is crowned 'king' for the day.
Examples in context
- Je voudrais une galette de légumes, s'il vous plaît.I would like a vegetable patty, please.
- Cette galette végétale est excellente.This veggie patty is excellent.
- Il reste une galette dans le frigo.There is one patty left in the fridge.
Example conversation
Chloé and Lucas are preparing lunch together.
- ChloéLucas, as-tu formé la galette ?Lucas, did you shape the patty?
- LucasOui, la galette est prête.Yes, the patty is ready.
- ChloéParfait, je chauffe la poêle.Perfect, I'll heat the pan.
- LucasC'est parti pour le burger !Here we go for the burger!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry galette, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries galette, CC BY-SA 4.0.
