boule de riz
The English phrase "rice ball" is translated into French as boule de riz.
A boule de riz refers to a portion of cooked rice formed into a ball or oval shape. In a culinary context, French speakers often use the Japanese term onigiri to refer specifically to the Japanese-style rice ball rather than a generic ball of rice.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of boule (ball), de (of) and riz (rice).
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the phrase plural, add an s to both nouns to get boules de riz.
Did you know?
Examples in context
- Madame, aimeriez-vous essayer une boulette de riz ?Madam, would you like to try a rice ball?
- J'ai mangé une boule de riz ce midi.I ate a rice ball for lunch today.
- Est-ce qu'il y a une boule de riz dans ce sac ?Is there a rice ball in this bag?
- Elle prépare une petite boule de riz pour son fils.She is preparing a small rice ball for her son.
Example conversation
Léa and Hugo are at a Japanese restaurant.
- LéaRegarde, Hugo, je commande une boule de riz.Look, Hugo, I am ordering a rice ball.
- HugoC'est une bonne idée, j'en veux une aussi.That's a good idea, I want one too.
- LéaLa boule de riz arrive avec du poisson.The rice ball comes with fish.
- HugoÇa a l'air délicieux, Léa !That looks delicious, Léa!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries boule, de, riz, CC BY-SA 4.0.
