savourer
/sa.vu.ʁe/
To savour in French is savourer. If unsure, use savourer. Wiktionary also lists déguster.
Meaning: to enjoy (something) deeply or in a lingering manner (verb)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA |
|---|---|
| savourer | /sa.vu.ʁe/ |
| déguster | /de.ɡys.te/ |
The verb savourer is used to express enjoying something deeply or in a lingering manner. It is frequently used with abstract nouns such as instant (moment), succès (success) or silence (silence) to express deep appreciation, though it can also be applied to sensory experiences.
Which one should you use?
savourer can be used for both abstract experiences, such as a feeling or a moment and sensory experiences like food. In contrast, déguster is more specifically used for the sensory act of tasting and enjoying food or drink.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables and is pronounced /sa.vu.ʁe/.
Did you know?
- The verb goûter is used not just for tasting food, but is also the standard way to say 'to have a snack' in the afternoon.
- While déguster is the refined way to describe tasting wine or chocolate, the verb dégoûter means to disgust someone. These two opposites share the same root goût meaning 'taste'.
- The English word 'savour' and the French savourer are direct linguistic cousins, both tracing back to the same Latin root for 'scent' or 'smell'.
Examples in context
- Tu devrais savourer cet instant.You should savour this moment.This sentence illustrates using savourer to describe enjoying a specific moment.Tatoeba #1017340 by sacredceltic, translation #1014256 by sundown
- C'est sympa de siroter et de savourer d'autres boissons que de la bière de temps en temps.It's nice to sip and savour drinks other than beer as well from time to time.This sentence shows how to use savourer in the context of enjoying drinks.Tatoeba #330486 by hortusdei, translation #329604 by fcbond
- Ce plat est savoureux!This dish is delicious!
- Je profite de chaque gorgée de ce vin délicieux.I savor every sip of this delicious wine.
- Je me régale avec cette cuisine provençale délicieuse.I am really savoring this delicious Provençal cuisine.
- Il faut savourer chaque moment de ses vacances.One must savour every moment of one's holidays.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nathan and Manon are having coffee at a cafe.
- NathanCe café est délicieux, je vais en savourer chaque gorgée.This coffee is delicious, I am going to savour every sip.
- ManonTu as raison, ne le bois pas trop vite.You are right, don't drink it too fast.
- NathanJe prends vraiment mon temps pour l'apprécier.I am really taking my time to enjoy it.
- ManonC'est une excellente façon de profiter de l'après-midi.It is an excellent way to enjoy the afternoon.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “savour” translations and entries savourer, déguster, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries déguster, savourer, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
