lait chaud moussé
In French, steamed milk is called lait chaud moussé.
This phrase refers to milk that has been heated and frothed with steam, a common component in various coffee drinks.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase lait chaud moussé literally translates to 'hot foamed milk'.
Which one should you use?
While lait chaud refers to simply heated milk, lait chaud moussé specifically implies the addition of foam or froth.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective moussé (foamed) must agree in gender and number with the masculine singular noun lait.
Did you know?
- In many French cafés, if you order a café crème, you are actually ordering espresso with lait chaud moussé rather than just warm milk.
- The word moussé in this phrase comes from the same root as the dessert 'chocolate mousse', as both describe an aerated and light texture.
- While lait chaud moussé is the standard description, many modern French baristas simply use the English word 'latte' to describe drinks featuring this milk.
Examples in context
- En ce moment, je suis plutôt branché sur un cappuccino avec du lait moussé.Currently, I'm more into a cappuccino with frothed milk.
Example conversation
Manon and Gabriel are ordering drinks at a café.
- ManonJe vais prendre un chocolat avec du lait chaud moussé.I'll have a hot chocolate with steamed milk.
- GabrielC'est un bon choix, Manon.That's a good choice, Manon.
- ManonEt toi, Gabriel, qu'est-ce que tu veux ?And you, Gabriel, what do you want?
- GabrielUn espresso simple pour moi, merci.A simple espresso for me, thanks.
