Bon appétit! Are you a foodie or a culinary enthusiast with a penchant for French cuisine? Do you find yourself relishing in the exquisite taste of a flavorful dish and want to express your delight in French? Well, you’ve come to the right place! In this comprehensive guide, we will explore various ways to say “yum” in French, both formally and informally. Whether you’re dining at a fine French restaurant or having a casual meal with friends, we’ll equip you with the vocabulary and expressions to convey your enjoyment deliciously. So, let’s get started!
Table of Contents
1. Formal Ways to Say “Yum” in French:
When it comes to formal settings and refined dining experiences, it’s important to use appropriate expressions. Here are some elegant ways to say “yum” in French:
i) C’est délicieux
The simplest and most versatile way to express your enjoyment of a delectable treat in a formal setting is by saying “C’est délicieux” (pronounced: say day-lee-syuh). It translates directly to “It’s delicious” and is considered a safe choice in sophisticated environments.
Example: The server brings you a plate of escargots, and you exclaim, “C’est délicieux!” while savoring each bite.
ii) C’est exquis
If you want to express that the dish is truly exquisite, opt for the phrase “C’est exquis” (pronounced: say ess-kee). It conveys a sense of refinement and exceptional taste.
Example: You try a French patisserie’s perfect macaron and remark, “C’est exquis!” with a touch of admiration in your voice.
iii) C’est savoureux
When you want to highlight the deliciousness and flavor of a particular dish, consider using the expression “C’est savoureux” (pronounced: say sa-voo-ruh). It emphasizes the enjoyable taste experience.
Example: As you savor a classic Coq au Vin, you happily exclaim, “C’est savoureux!” to convey your appreciation.
2. Informal Ways to Say “Yum” in French:
While formal expressions work well in upscale environments, using informal expressions in casual settings adds a touch of authenticity and camaraderie. Let’s explore some informal ways to say “yum” in French:
i) C’est trop bon
A popular and versatile expression, “C’est trop bon” (pronounced: say troh bohn) is widely used among friends and family to signify that a dish is incredibly tasty.
Example: Sharing a delicious homemade tarte Tatin, you exclaim, “C’est trop bon!” to convey your enthusiasm among friends.
ii) C’est à tomber par terre
A figurative expression that means “it’s to die for,” “C’est à tomber par terre” (pronounced: say ah tom-bay par tair) evokes a strong sense of culinary bliss and is perfect when describing an exceptionally delightful dish.
Example: Taking a bite of a heavenly crème brûlée, you exclaim, “C’est à tomber par terre!” while your taste buds dance in delight.
iii) C’est trop délicieux
When something is too delicious to resist, you can say “C’est trop délicieux” (pronounced: say troh day-lee-syuh). This expression captures the irresistible quality of the food.
Example: Indulging in a luscious serving of foie gras, you happily remark, “C’est trop délicieux!” as the richness coats your palate.
3. Additional Tips and Regional Variations:
Now that you have a solid arsenal of expressions to convey your appreciation for delicious food, here are a few additional tips and regional variations to spice up your French vocabulary:
i) Accentuate with Emphatic Words
To add extra emphasis on your enjoyment, you can use different adjectives such as “incroyablement” (incredibly), “absolument” (absolutely), or “vraiment” (truly) in front of the expressions. For example, “C’est absolument délicieux!” or “C’est vraiment savoureux!”
ii) Regional Flavors
France is a country known for its culinary diversity. Different regions boast unique dishes and flavors. If you are in a particular region, you can use local expressions to highlight the regional deliciousness. For instance, in Provence, you might say “C’est trop bon, à la provençale!” or in Brittany, “C’est exquis, comme en Bretagne!”
iii) Non-Verbal Expressions
Remember that expressing your appreciation for food goes beyond words. Non-verbal expressions such as closing your eyes in delight, smiling enthusiastically, or giving a chef’s kiss can convey your enjoyment even more effectively.
With these tips and expressions, you are now well-equipped to express your “yum” moments in French. So, go ahead, savor the delicious cuisine, and let your taste buds dance to the rhythm of the French language. Bon appétit!
