rosbif
/ʁɔs.bif/masculine
The English phrase roast beef is translated into French as rosbif. Wiktionary also lists roastbeef.
Meaning: Beef cooked by roasting (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| rosbif | /ʁɔs.bif/ | masculine |
| roastbeef | masculine |
The term refers to beef that has been prepared by roasting.
Which one should you use?
rosbif is a phonetic adaptation of the English term and is the more common spelling used in French culinary contexts, whereas roastbeef is a possible alternative spelling.
How does it change in a sentence?
Both rosbif and roastbeef are masculine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 2 syllables and is pronounced /ʁɔs.bif/.
Did you know?
- Although rosbif is a masculine noun, the English root 'beef' comes from the Old French word bœuf, making the word a linguistic circle that returned to France centuries later.
- If you call an English person a rosbif, you are not talking about their dinner, but using a culinary-based nickname similar to the English term 'frog' for the French.
- While rosbif refers to the meat, French speakers often use the term rôti de bœuf for a more traditional or high-end presentation of the same cut.
Examples in context
- Nous nous sommes tous goinfrés lors de la fête de Noël de l'entreprise, en particulier sur le rosbif.We all pigged out at the company Christmas party, especially on the roast beef.This sentence is useful for seeing how to describe pigging out on the rosbif during a party.Tatoeba #9527275 by Micsmithel, translation #22414 by CK
- Au menu ce soir, nous vous proposons un délicieux rôti de bœuf accompagné de légumes de saison.On the menu tonight, we offer you a delicious roast beef served with seasonal vegetables.
- Le rosbif est très tendre.The roast beef is very tender.
- Je préfère le rosbif avec des pommes de terre.I prefer roast beef with potatoes.
Example conversation
Chloé and Gabriel are having lunch at a restaurant.
- ChloéQu'est-ce que tu manges, Gabriel ?What are you eating, Gabriel?
- GabrielJe mange un bon rosbif.I am eating a good roast beef.
- ChloéÇa a l'air délicieux !That looks delicious!
- GabrielOui, c'est excellent.Yes, it is excellent.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “roast beef” translations and entries rosbif, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
