bûche de Noël
/byʃ də nɔ.ɛl/feminine
The English phrase 'yule log' is translated into French as bûche de Noël. If unsure, use bûche de Noël. Wiktionary also lists buche de Noël.
Meaning: log-shaped cake covered in chocolate (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| bûche de Noël | /byʃ də nɔ.ɛl/ | feminine |
| buche de Noël | feminine |
A bûche de Noël refers to a log-shaped cake covered in chocolate.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to 'log of Christmas'. The word bûche refers specifically to a large piece of wood or a log used for a fire.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun is feminine, so the indefinite article used is une (une bûche de Noël).
How do you pronounce it?
/byʃ də nɔ.ɛl/
When do people say it?
This dessert is the traditional centerpiece of the Christmas dessert course in France.
Did you know?
- Before the cake existed, the bûche de Noël was a real wooden log burned in the hearth to bring good luck for the coming year.
- In some French traditions, the ashes from the original wooden bûche were kept throughout the year to protect the home from lightning and fire.
- The word bûche shares an ancestral root with the English word 'bush', stemming from the Proto-Germanic *buskaz.
Examples in context
- La bûche de Noël est délicieuse.The yule log is delicious.
- Je vais préparer une bûche de Noël au chocolat.I am going to make a chocolate yule log.
- Tu veux une part de cette bûche de Noël ?Do you want a slice of this yule log?
Example conversation
At a bakery during the holiday season.
- ManonRegarde cette belle bûche de Noël !Look at this beautiful yule log!
- LucasElle a l'air incroyable, Manon.It looks incredible, Manon.
- ManonOn en achète une pour la fête ?Should we buy one for the party?
- LucasOui, c'est une excellente idée.Yes, that's an excellent idea.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “yule log” translations and entries bûche de Noël, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Noël, bûche, de, noël, CC BY-SA 4.0.
