graine
/ɡʁɛn/
The English word "seed" is translated into French as graine.
In an agricultural context, graine refers to any propagative portion of a plant that may be sown. While graine is the most common translation for seed, specialized terms are used for specific types, such as graine oléagineuse for oilseeds.
Meaning: agriculture: any propagative portion of a plant which may be sown (noun)
Which one should you use?
While graine is the general term, graine semencière is used specifically to describe a seed that is suitable for planting or sowing.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of graine is graines.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɡʁɛn/
Did you know?
- The term graine is used in the phrase une graine de… to describe a child who shows early signs of becoming like their parent, such as une graine de musicien.
- While graine is the seed for planting, French uses the word noyau for a seed that is actually a stone, such as in a peach or cherry.
- When discussing coffee, a French speaker will rarely say graine de café but will instead use the word grain de café.
Examples in context
- La graine commence à germer.The seed is beginning to germinate.This sentence is useful for describing the germination of the graine.Tatoeba #12635567 by lbdx, translation #3336616 by mervert1
- Si tu plantes une graine de pommier, elle pourrait devenir un arbre.If you plant an apple seed, it might grow into a tree.This sentence illustrates the potential for a graine to grow into a tree.Tatoeba #3646671 by sacredceltic, translation #681742 by Source_VOA
- J'adore manger des graines de tournesol.I love eating sunflower seeds.
- Il y a des pépins de pomme dans cette compote.There are apple seeds in this applesauce.
- Il faut mettre la graine en terre.You must put the seed in the ground.
Example conversation
Emma and Gabriel are gardening together.
- EmmaOù as-tu mis chaque graine ?Where did you put each seed?
- GabrielJe les ai mises dans le pot.I put them in the pot.
- EmmaC'est une bonne graine pour le jardin.It is a good seed for the garden.
- GabrielOui, elle va pousser vite.Yes, it will grow quickly.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry graine, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
