cacahuète
/ka.ka.ɥɛt/masculine
The English word peanut is translated into French as cacahuète. Wiktionary also lists arachide and pinotte.
Meaning: a legume resembling a nut (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| cacahuète | /ka.ka.ɥɛt/ /ka.ka.wɛt/ |
masculine |
| arachide | /a.ʁa.ʃid/ | feminine |
| pinotte | /pi.nɔt/ | Quebec, feminine, informal |
The term refers to the legume that resembles a nut.
Which one should you use?
cacahuète is the common word used for the food, whereas arachide is a more technical or botanical term used in scientific or commercial contexts. In Quebec, you may also encounter the informal term pinotte.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
arachide is used in formal, scientific or commercial settings. pinotte is an informal term used in Quebec.
Is it said differently in some regions?
arachide is commonly used in African French. pinotte is a term used specifically in Quebec.
How does it change in a sentence?
When forming the phrase for peanut butter, beurre de cacahuète, the word cacahuète can be used in either the singular or plural form, though the singular is very common.
How do you pronounce it?
The word cacahuète is pronounced /ka.ka.ɥɛt/ and has 3 syllables.
Did you know?
- In France, the expression payer des cacahuètes is used to describe paying a pittance or a very small amount of money for something.
- The French word cacahuète shares an unexpected ancestor with chocolate, as both words stem from the Nahuatl word for the 'cocoa bean'.
- French speakers may use the word cacahuète to describe someone who is very small or insignificant in certain colloquial contexts.
Examples in context
- Il veut du beurre de cacahuète.He wants peanut butter.This sentence shows how to use cacahuète to talk about wanting peanut butter.Tatoeba #6798914 by Micsmithel, translation #3366430 by Jesse
- Je déteste le beurre de cacahuètes.I hate peanut butter.This sentence uses cacahuète to express a dislike for peanut butter.Tatoeba #8679844 by Micsmithel, translation #4496211 by CK
- Est-ce que tu aimes le beurre de cacahuètes ?Do you like peanut butter?This sentence uses cacahuète to ask a question about liking peanut butter.Tatoeba #7482763 by Micsmithel, translation #4016816 by CK
- J'adore les cacahuètes dans les salades.I love peanuts in salads.
- Les cacahuètes sont une excellente source de protéines.Peanuts are an excellent source of protein.
- On a acheté des arachides au marché.We bought some peanuts at the market.
- Peux-tu me passer la boîte de cacahouètes, s'il te plaît ?Can you pass me the box of peanuts, please?
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Manon and Nathan are sharing a snack.
- ManonTu veux une cacahuète ?Do you want a peanut?
- NathanOui, j'en veux bien, merci.Yes, I would like one, thanks.
- ManonC'est ma cacahuète préférée.This is my favorite peanut.
- NathanElles sont très salées !They are very salty!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “peanut” translations and entries cacahuète, arachide, pinotte, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries arachide, cacahuète, pinotte, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
