coquilles Saint-Jacques
Scallops in French is coquilles Saint-Jacques.
In a culinary context, coquilles Saint-Jacques refers specifically to the edible mollusk (the scallop) rather than just the shell. While the word coquille can generally mean any shell, this specific phrase is used to denote the seafood itself.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun coquille is feminine, so the singular form uses the feminine article une (une coquille Saint-Jacques). When referring to multiple scallops, the adjective Saint-Jacques is an invariable proper noun and does not take an 's' in the plural (des coquilles Saint-Jacques).
Did you know?
- In French, the word coquille also refers to a typographical error or a 'slip of the pen'.
- If you see noix de Saint-Jacques on a menu, it refers specifically to the scallop muscle, or 'nut', without the shell.
- The phrase coquilles Saint-Jacques is deeply tied to the legend of Saint James, the patron saint of pilgrims traveling to Santiago de Compostela.
Examples in context
- J'adore manger des coquilles Saint-Jacques.I love to eat scallops.This sentence is useful for expressing a personal preference for eating coquilles Saint-Jacques.Tatoeba #4467813 by sacredceltic, translation #4466790 by orcrist
- On vend des coquilles Saint-Jacques, aujourd'hui.Scallops are on sale today.This sentence is useful for noting that coquilles Saint-Jacques are currently on sale.Tatoeba #4467812 by sacredceltic, translation #4466792 by orcrist
- Les coquilles Saint-Jacques sont délicieuses avec du beurre.Scallops are delicious with butter.
Example conversation
Lucas and Léa are deciding what to order at a seafood restaurant.
- LucasEst-ce que tu veux commander des coquilles Saint-Jacques ?Do you want to order some scallops?
- LéaOui, elles ont l'air très fraîches ici.Yes, they look very fresh here.
- LucasJe vais prendre un plat de coquilles Saint-Jacques aussi.I will have a dish of scallops too.
- LéaC'est une excellente idée, Lucas.That is an excellent idea, Lucas.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
