oignons marinés
The English phrase "pickled onions" is translated into French as oignons marinés.
This phrase refers to onions that have been preserved in a vinegar solution.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of oignons (onions) and marinés (marinated), which is the standard way to describe vegetables preserved in a liquid solution in French.
Which one should you use?
You may also use oignons au vinaigre, which literally means "onions in vinegar".
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective mariné must agree in gender and number with the noun oignons. Use the singular oignon mariné when referring to a single onion.
Did you know?
- Unlike in some English-speaking cultures where pickled onions are a burger topping, the French typically use them to balance the fatty taste of pâtés and terrines.
- The spelling of oignons often confuses learners because the 'i' is silent, a remnant of a historical phonetic rule that changed how the word is pronounced in modern French.
- In France, pickled onions are often treated as part of the 'cornichon' family, meaning they are expected to be tiny, crunchy pearl onions rather than large, sliced varieties.
Examples in context
- J'adore grignoter ces oignons marinés !I love snacking on those marinated onions!
- Il te reste des petits oignons au vinaigre pour la salade ?Do you have any small onions in vinegar left for the salad?
- J'adore les oignons marinés dans mes sandwichs.I love pickled onions in my sandwiches.
- Il y a des oignons marinés dans ce plat.There are pickled onions in this dish.
- Voulez-vous un peu d'oignons marinés ?Would you like some pickled onions?
Example conversation
Emma and Hugo are preparing a meal together.
- EmmaHugo, on ajoute des oignons marinés ?Hugo, should we add some pickled onions?
- HugoOui, ça donnera du goût au plat.Yes, that will give the dish some flavor.
- EmmaJe ne vois plus le bocal d'oignons marinés.I don't see the jar of pickled onions anymore.
- HugoRegarde bien, ils sont dans le frigo.Look closely, they are in the fridge.
