vermicelles
The English word "sprinkles" is translated into French as vermicelles.
The term vermicelles refers to small pieces of sugar or candy used as a decoration.
Meaning: small candy or sugar pieces as decoration (noun)
What mistakes should you avoid?
In French, confetti refers to confetti rather than sprinkles.
Did you know?
- The word vermicelles comes from the diminutive of ver, meaning 'worm', referring to the long, thin shape of the sugar pieces.
- In French, if you ask for vermicelles in a pasta shop, you will receive thin noodles rather than candy.
- In certain pastry contexts, you might encounter the term perles de sucre, which refers to round sugar pearls instead of the rod-shaped vermicelles.
Examples in context
- Je voudrais des vermicelles colorés, s'il vous plaît.I would like some colored sprinkles, please.
- Je voudrais des vermicelles en chocolat.I would like chocolate sprinkles.
- Les vermicelles roses sont sur le gâteau.The pink sprinkles are on the cake.
- Ajoute des vermicelles colorés sur la glace.Add colorful sprinkles on the ice cream.
Example conversation
A boy and a girl are decorating cupcakes at home.
- ManonNathan, tu veux des vermicelles sur ton cupcake ?Nathan, do you want sprinkles on your cupcake?
- NathanOui, s'il te plaît, Manon.Yes, please, Manon.
- ManonTiens, voici les vermicelles bleus.Here, here are the blue sprinkles.
- NathanMerci, c'est très joli.Thanks, it's very pretty.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry vermicelles, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
