karité
The English word shea (referring to the fruit) is translated into French as karité.
In French, karité refers to the fruit of the shea tree.
Meaning: fruit (noun)
Did you know?
- In some French-speaking regions of Africa, the gathering of karité fruits is a social activity reserved almost exclusively for women.
- The French word karité is not of French origin but was borrowed from the Wolof language of Senegal.
- In French culinary contexts, you might see the term beurre de karité, even though it is used for cosmetics rather than food.
Examples in context
- Le beurre de karité est très nourrissant.Shea butter is very nourishing.
- Elle utilise du karité pour sa peau.She uses shea for her skin.
- Ce produit contient de l'extrait de karité.This product contains shea extract.
Example conversation
Nathan and Emma are shopping for skincare products.
- NathanEmma, regarde cette crème au karité.Emma, look at this shea cream.
- EmmaElle a l'air très hydratante.It looks very moisturizing.
- NathanC'est parfait pour la peau sèche.It is perfect for dry skin.
- EmmaJe vais l'acheter, merci Nathan.I will buy it, thank you Nathan.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry karité, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries karité, CC BY-SA 4.0.
