graine de courge
The English phrase "pumpkin seed" is translated into French as graine de courge.
Meaning: pumpkin seed (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of graine (seed) and de courge (of squash or pumpkin).
Which one should you use?
While graine de courge is the standard term, pépins de courge is also frequently used, especially when referring to the seeds found inside the fruit.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the plural "pumpkin seeds", only the word graine is pluralized to graines, resulting in graines de courge.
Did you know?
- In French, courge is a broad term for various winter squashes, so graines de courge can refer to seeds from several different squash varieties, not just the orange pumpkin.
- While graine refers to a seed in general, the word pépin specifically describes seeds in fleshy fruits that are typically discarded or not eaten raw, such as those in grapes or apples.
- The word courge is a linguistic doublet of gourde, meaning both words evolved from the same Latin root cucurbita but branched into different forms over time.
Examples in context
- Les graines de courge peuvent être délicieuses en salade.Pumpkin seeds can be delicious in salads.
- Tu veux une graine de courge ?Do you want a pumpkin seed?
- Il y a une graine de courge dans mon bol.There is a pumpkin seed in my bowl.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries courge, de, graine, CC BY-SA 4.0.
