escargots
The English phrase snails is translated into French as escargots.
The term refers to snails. An informal expression used to refer to small, edible land snails is Petits gris, which literally means "little grays".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Languedoc-Roussillon region, the term cargolade refers to a dish made with grilled snails.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form of the word is escargot. When using the singular with a definite article, elision is used to form l'escargot. The plural form is les escargots, which adds an s to the end of the word, though this s is not pronounced.
Did you know?
- The word escargot shares a common root with the word scala, meaning 'ladder' or 'stairs', referring to the spiral shape of the shell.
- The specific tool used to hold an escargot is called a pince à escargots, and using a regular fork is often considered a breach of etiquette in formal dining.
- There is a French term faire l'escargot which describes the act of retreating into one's shell or becoming socially withdrawn.
Examples in context
- Aimes-tu les escargots ?Do you like snails?This sentence is useful for asking if someone likes escargots.Tatoeba #9472724 by Julien_PDC, translation #9937320 by DJ_Saidez
- Les escargots sont lents.Snails are slow.This sentence is useful for stating that escargots are slow.Tatoeba #6851460 by GB3, translation #6850858 by Hybrid
- Tom n'aime pas les escargots.Tom doesn't like snails.This sentence is useful for expressing that Tom does not like escargots.Tatoeba #7035678 by felix63, translation #7036007 by Eccles17
- Je voudrais des escargots, s'il vous plaît.I would like some snails, please.
- On devrait essayer les petits gris, paraît-il qu'ils sont délicieux !We should try the little grays. They say they're delicious!
- 14 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma and Hugo are at a French restaurant.
- HugoEst-ce que les escargots sont bons ici ?Are the snails good here?
- EmmaOui, les escargots sont délicieux.Yes, the snails are delicious.
- HugoJe vais en commander pour moi.I am going to order some for myself.
- EmmaMoi aussi, j'adore les escargots !Me too, I love snails!
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
