pie
/pi/
In French, pied can mean 'black and white colored' or 'foot'.
When used as an adjective, pied describes something that is black and white in color. However, it is also the standard formal term for the noun 'foot'.
Meaning: black and white colored (adj)
Which one should you use?
The form pie is the default form for describing a black and white pattern, whereas pied is the standard term used for the body part 'foot'.
How do you pronounce it?
/pi/
Did you know?
- A pied-de-poule pattern, which translates to 'chicken foot', is the French term for what English speakers call 'houndstooth'.
- The adjective pie comes from the name of the magpie, a bird famous for its striking black and white plumage.
- The expression avoir le pied marin describes someone who is good at keeping their balance on a boat, similar to having 'sea legs'.
Examples in context
- J'ai mal au pied.I have a sore foot.
- Elle porte des chaussures à petits talons, pour ne pas fatiguer ses pieds.She wears low-heeled shoes to prevent her feet from getting tired.
- J'ai besoin de me reposer, mes guiboles sont épuisées.I need to rest, my legs are exhausted.
- J'ai marché toute la journée, j'ai mal aux pattes.I walked all day, my feet hurt.
Example conversation
Emma and Nathan are visiting a farm together.
- EmmaRegarde le petit veau pie là-bas.Look at the little piebald calf over there.
- NathanIl est vraiment mignon, Nathan.He is really cute, Nathan.
- EmmaOui, j'adore les animaux de couleur pie.Yes, I love black and white animals.
- NathanMoi aussi, c'est très original.Me too, it's very original.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry pie, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries pie, CC BY-SA 4.0.
