fraises
Small, red, sweet fruits.
fraises في 30 ثانية
- The word 'fraises' is the plural for strawberries, a staple feminine noun in French vocabulary, essential for food and shopping contexts.
- Culturally, strawberries are a symbol of spring in France, with famous varieties like the Gariguette being highly prized for their flavor.
- Grammatically, 'fraise' is feminine and often requires the partitive article 'des' when referring to an unspecified quantity of the fruit.
- Beyond fruit, 'fraise' has idiomatic meanings like 'ramener sa fraise' (to butt in) and technical meanings like a dental drill.
The word fraises refers to strawberries, one of the most beloved fruits in the French culinary landscape. In a literal sense, it denotes the small, typically red, heart-shaped fruit of the Fragaria plant. However, in French culture, 'les fraises' represent much more than just a snack; they signify the arrival of spring and the beginning of the harvest season, usually peaking between April and June. When you walk through a French 'marché' (market) during these months, the scent of fresh strawberries is omnipresent, often dominated by specific varieties like the elongated and highly fragrant 'Gariguette' or the rounder 'Mara des Bois'.
- Botanical Classification
- The strawberry is technically an 'aggregate accessory fruit,' meaning the fleshy part is derived not from the plant's ovaries but from the receptacle that holds the ovaries. The actual 'fruits' of the strawberry are the tiny yellow specks on the outside, known as achenes.
People use this word in daily life when grocery shopping, ordering dessert in a 'pâtisserie', or discussing gardening. It is a staple of the French diet, frequently consumed fresh with a light dusting of sugar, a dollop of 'crème fraîche', or incorporated into the iconic 'fraisier'—a traditional French cake layered with mousseline cream and fresh strawberries. Beyond the fruit, the term can also refer to a 'ruff'—the pleated collar worn in the 16th and 17th centuries—due to its resemblance to the textured surface of the berry.
J'ai acheté un kilo de fraises bien mûres au marché ce matin pour faire une tarte.
In informal contexts, the word appears in several colorful idioms. For instance, if someone 'ramène sa fraise,' they are interjecting or 'butting in' to a conversation where they weren't invited. This usage treats 'fraise' as a slang term for 'face' or 'head.' Understanding these layers of meaning is crucial for an English speaker, as it moves beyond simple vocabulary into the realm of cultural nuance and colloquialism.
Les fraises des bois sont plus petites mais beaucoup plus parfumées que les variétés de jardin.
- Culinary Usage
- In French cuisine, strawberries are rarely cooked for long periods to preserve their delicate texture. Instead, they are often macerated in lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, or a splash of orange liqueur like Grand Marnier.
Voulez-vous des fraises avec votre chantilly ?
La saison des fraises touche déjà à sa fin en juillet.
- Slang Meaning
- In the expression 'sucrer les fraises,' the fruit refers to the trembling hands of an elderly person, likening the motion to someone sprinkling sugar over a bowl of berries.
Arrête de ramener ta fraise alors que tu n'y connais rien !
Using 'fraises' correctly involves understanding its grammatical properties as a feminine noun. In its plural form, it is preceded by articles like 'les' (the), 'des' (some), or 'ces' (these). For English speakers, the most common pitfall is forgetting to use the partitive article 'des' when referring to an unspecified quantity. For example, 'I am eating strawberries' translates to 'Je mange des fraises,' not 'Je mange fraises.' This subtle difference is key to sounding natural in French.
- Grammatical Agreement
- Since 'fraise' is feminine, any adjectives modifying it must also be feminine. In the plural, you would say 'fraises rouges' or 'fraises sucrées.' Notice that the 's' on the end of 'fraises' is silent, but the preceding vowel sound remains clear.
When describing actions involving strawberries, you will often use verbs like 'cueillir' (to pick), 'laver' (to wash), 'équeuter' (to hull/remove the stem), and 'déguster' (to savor). For instance, 'Nous sommes allés cueillir des fraises à la ferme' (We went to pick strawberries at the farm). It is also important to note that when 'fraise' is used as a color adjective (strawberry-red), it is generally invariable, though this is a more advanced grammatical point.
Elle a préparé une salade de fruits avec des fraises et de la menthe fraîche.
In a restaurant setting, you might see 'fraises' paired with various accompaniments. 'Fraises au sucre' is a simple classic, while 'fraises à la crème' is more indulgent. If you are ordering at a café, you might ask, 'Avez-vous un sorbet à la fraise ?' (Do you have strawberry sorbet?). Note that in the flavor context, 'fraise' often becomes singular because it refers to the flavor profile rather than individual berries.
Les enfants adorent manger les fraises directement dans le jardin.
- Quantities and Measurement
- When buying them, you usually ask for a 'barquette' (a small crate or punnet). 'Je voudrais une barquette de fraises, s'il vous plaît' is the standard way to order at a market stall.
Il ne reste plus de fraises dans le frigo, tu peux en racheter ?
Ma grand-mère fait la meilleure confiture de fraises du monde.
- Preposition Use
- Use 'à la fraise' for flavors (un yaourt à la fraise) and 'de fraises' for contents or origin (un panier de fraises).
Pourriez-vous me donner quelques fraises pour décorer mon gâteau ?
In France, 'fraises' is a word you will hear constantly during the spring and summer. The most authentic place to encounter it is at a local 'marché de plein air' (open-air market). Vendors will shout out their prices: 'Deux euros la barquette de fraises !' (Two euros for a punnet of strawberries!). You will also hear it in 'boulangeries' and 'pâtisseries' when customers ask about the seasonal offerings, such as the 'tarte aux fraises' or the 'mille-feuille aux fraises'.
- At the Restaurant
- Waiters often suggest 'fraises' as a light dessert option. You might hear: 'Nous avons des fraises fraîches aujourd'hui, servies avec un peu de crème.' (We have fresh strawberries today, served with a bit of cream.)
On television, specifically during cooking shows like 'Le Meilleur Pâtissier' (the French version of Bake Off), the word 'fraises' is used frequently when discussing flavor profiles and decorative techniques. You might hear judges critique the 'goût de fraise' (strawberry taste) or the 'tenue des fraises' (how the strawberries hold up) inside a cake. In a more technical or medical context, you might hear it at the dentist's office, though hopefully not too often, as 'la fraise' is the common term for the dental drill.
Regarde ces magnifiques fraises de Plougastel, elles sont réputées pour leur saveur unique.
In pop culture and music, the word occasionally pops up in lyrics to evoke sweetness or summer vibes. Children's songs often mention 'fraises' as a favorite treat. Furthermore, if you are listening to a heated debate or a casual conversation, you might hear the idiomatic 'ramène pas ta fraise !' which is a sharp way of telling someone to mind their own business. This contrast between the sweetness of the fruit and the bluntness of the idiom is a classic example of French linguistic irony.
Le parfum de ces fraises remplit toute la cuisine, c'est divin.
- In the Garden
- Gardeners will talk about 'les stolons de fraises' (strawberry runners) and the need to protect 'les fraises' from 'les limaces' (slugs).
Il faut rincer les fraises rapidement sous l'eau froide avant de les manger.
J'adore les fraises sauvages que l'on trouve en lisière de forêt.
- Literary References
- In literature, 'les fraises' often symbolize lost innocence or the fleeting nature of childhood summers, appearing in the works of Colette and Proust.
One of the most frequent mistakes for English speakers is the confusion between 'fraises' (strawberries) and 'framboises' (raspberries). While both are 'fruits rouges', they are distinct in flavor, texture, and appearance. Confusing them in a grocery store might lead to a culinary surprise! Another common error is pronunciation. The 'ai' in 'fraises' is pronounced like the 'e' in 'get' or 'bed' (/ɛ/), not like the 'ay' in 'say'. Mispronouncing it can sometimes make it sound like 'frises' (curls or frizzy hair).
- Article Confusion
- Learners often say 'J'aime les fraises' (I like strawberries) correctly, but then say 'Je veux les fraises' when they mean 'I want some strawberries.' In the latter case, 'des fraises' is required. Using 'les' implies you want all the strawberries in existence or a specific set already discussed.
Another mistake involves the gender. Since 'fraise' is feminine, saying 'un fraise' is incorrect. It must always be 'une fraise'. This affects the adjectives and articles used with it. For example, 'une petite fraise' is correct, whereas 'un petit fraise' is not. Furthermore, learners often struggle with the preposition when describing strawberry-flavored items. It is 'glace à la fraise' (strawberry ice cream), not 'glace de fraise'.
Attention à ne pas confondre les fraises avec les framboises lors de vos courses.
In idiomatic usage, a common mistake is using 'sucrer les fraises' to mean something sweet. In reality, this idiom refers to the shaking hands of an elderly person, and using it in the wrong context could be seen as insensitive or confusing. Similarly, 'ramener sa fraise' is informal and slightly rude; using it in a professional setting or with someone you don't know well is a social 'faux pas'.
On ne dit pas 'un jus de fraise', mais 'un jus à la fraise' si c'est un sirop, ou 'un jus de fraises' s'il est pressé.
- Spelling Errors
- English speakers sometimes try to spell it 'fraise' with a 'z' because of the pronunciation, but in French, it is always spelled with an 's'.
Elle a mis trop de sucre sur ses fraises, on ne sent plus le fruit.
Il est impoli de ramener sa fraise sans avoir été invité à donner son avis.
- Plural vs. Singular
- While we say 'strawberry cake' (singular) in English, French usually uses the plural 'gâteau aux fraises' because the cake contains multiple berries.
When discussing 'fraises', it is helpful to know related terms in the berry family, collectively known as 'les fruits rouges'. These include 'les framboises' (raspberries), 'les myrtilles' (blueberries), 'les mûres' (blackberries), and 'les groseilles' (currants). Each has its own distinct culinary use and season, though they are often found together in 'salades de fruits rouges' or 'coulis'.
- Fraise vs. Framboise
- Fraises are firmer and sweeter with external seeds, while framboises are hollow, delicate, and slightly tart. In French pastry, fraises are used for 'fraisiers', while framboises are the star of 'tartes aux framboises'.
If you want to be more specific about the type of strawberry, you might use 'fraises des bois' (wild strawberries) which are tiny and intensely flavored. In a professional kitchen, a chef might refer to 'la pulpe de fraise' (strawberry pulp) or 'le concentré de fraise'. For those looking for a healthier alternative or a different texture, 'les cerises' (cherries) are often the next seasonal fruit to appear after strawberries.
Je préfère les fraises aux myrtilles pour mon yaourt du matin.
In terms of linguistic alternatives, if you are using 'fraise' to mean 'face' in a slang context, synonyms would include 'la gueule' (informal/vulgar), 'la tronche' (slang), or 'le visage' (formal). If you are referring to the dental tool, a more formal term would be 'le foret dentaire', though almost everyone says 'la fraise'. Understanding these synonyms helps you navigate different registers of the language effectively.
Les fraises mara des bois ont un goût qui rappelle celui des fraises des bois.
- Fraise vs. Cerise
- While both are red fruits, strawberries are harvested earlier in the spring, whereas cherries (cerises) peak in early summer. Cherries have a hard pit, unlike the soft strawberry.
Il a remplacé les fraises par des framboises dans sa recette de sorbet.
Les fraises de serre sont disponibles toute l'année, mais elles ont moins de goût.
- Comparison Table
- Fraise: Soft, sweet, external seeds. Myrtille: Small, blue, tart/sweet. Mûre: Dark purple, bumpy, wild. Framboise: Red, hollow, velvety.
How Formal Is It?
"La production de fraises a augmenté cette année grâce aux conditions météorologiques favorables."
"Voulez-vous des fraises pour le dessert ?"
"On se fait une petite plâtrée de fraises ?"
"Regarde la jolie fraise toute rouge !"
"Ramène ta fraise, on t'attend !"
حقيقة ممتعة
The modern garden strawberry we eat today is actually a hybrid created in France in the 1700s by crossing a species from North America with one from Chile.
دليل النطق
- Pronouncing the final 's' in 'fraises' (it is silent).
- Pronouncing 'ai' like 'ay' (it should be 'eh').
- Confusing the pronunciation with 'frais' (fresh), which ends in a silent 's' and has no 'z' sound.
- Using an English 'r' instead of the French uvular 'r'.
- Making the 'z' sound too long.
مستوى الصعوبة
Very easy to recognize, similar to 'fragrance' or 'fraga' in other languages.
Simple spelling, but must remember the 's' is silent in plural.
The French 'r' and the 'ai' sound require a little practice for beginners.
Easy to hear, but can be confused with 'frais' or 'frise' if not careful.
ماذا تتعلّم بعد ذلك
المتطلبات الأساسية
تعلّم لاحقاً
متقدم
قواعد يجب معرفتها
Partitive Articles
On utilise 'des fraises' pour une quantité indéfinie.
Adjective Agreement
Les fraises sont mûres (féminin pluriel).
Prepositions for Flavor
On dit 'à la fraise' pour le goût (glace à la fraise).
Prepositions for Ingredients
On dit 'aux fraises' pour un gâteau contenant des fraises.
Silent Final Consonants
Le 's' final de 'fraises' ne se prononce pas.
أمثلة حسب المستوى
J'aime les fraises.
I like strawberries.
Use 'les' for general likes.
C'est une fraise rouge.
It is a red strawberry.
Fraise is feminine.
Je mange des fraises.
I am eating (some) strawberries.
Use 'des' for unspecified quantity.
Voici deux fraises.
Here are two strawberries.
Plural adds an 's'.
La fraise est sucrée.
The strawberry is sweet.
Adjective agrees with feminine noun.
Tu veux une fraise ?
Do you want a strawberry?
Inversion or intonation for questions.
Le chat regarde la fraise.
The cat is looking at the strawberry.
Simple subject-verb-object.
Il y a des fraises dans le panier.
There are strawberries in the basket.
'Il y a' means 'there is/are'.
J'ai acheté des fraises au marché.
I bought strawberries at the market.
Passé composé with 'avoir'.
Ma mère fait une tarte aux fraises.
My mother is making a strawberry tart.
'Aux' (à + les) for ingredients.
Nous allons cueillir des fraises ce week-end.
We are going to pick strawberries this weekend.
Futur proche: aller + infinitive.
Ces fraises sont très mûres.
These strawberries are very ripe.
'Ces' is the plural demonstrative.
Je préfère les fraises avec du sucre.
I prefer strawberries with sugar.
Expressing preference.
Voulez-vous une barquette de fraises ?
Would you like a punnet of strawberries?
'Barquette' is the common unit.
Il n'y a plus de fraises dans le frigo.
There are no more strawberries in the fridge.
Negation 'ne... plus de'.
Elle prépare une salade de fraises.
She is preparing a strawberry salad.
'De' for the main ingredient.
Les fraises de mon jardin sont plus petites que celles du magasin.
The strawberries from my garden are smaller than those from the store.
Comparison with 'plus... que'.
Si j'avais des fraises, je ferais un gâteau.
If I had strawberries, I would make a cake.
Si clause: imparfait + conditionnel.
Il faut laver les fraises avant de les manger.
It is necessary to wash strawberries before eating them.
'Il faut' + infinitive.
C'est la saison des fraises, profitons-en !
It's strawberry season, let's take advantage of it!
Imperative with the pronoun 'en'.
Je me souviens des fraises que nous mangions chez ma grand-mère.
I remember the strawberries we used to eat at my grandmother's.
Imparfait for habitual actions.
Cette confiture de fraises est faite maison.
This strawberry jam is homemade.
Passive voice 'est faite'.
Bien que les fraises soient chères, j'en ai acheté.
Although strawberries are expensive, I bought some.
Subjunctive after 'bien que'.
Elle a décoré le plat avec quelques fraises coupées en deux.
She decorated the dish with a few strawberries cut in half.
'Quelques' for 'a few'.
Il ramène toujours sa fraise quand on parle de politique.
He always butts in when we talk about politics.
Idiomatic use of 'fraise' (slang for face).
Le pâtissier a réalisé un fraisier magnifique pour le mariage.
The pastry chef made a magnificent strawberry cake for the wedding.
'Fraisier' refers to the specific cake.
En vieillissant, il a commencé à sucrer les fraises.
As he got older, he started to get the shakes (be senile).
Idiom 'sucrer les fraises'.
La récolte de fraises a été compromise par le gel tardif.
The strawberry harvest was compromised by late frost.
Passive voice with a cause.
Ces fraises ont un parfum de musc très prononcé.
These strawberries have a very pronounced musky scent.
Describing complex flavors.
On peut trouver des fraises des bois en se promenant en forêt.
One can find wild strawberries while walking in the forest.
Gerund 'en se promenant'.
Le rouge fraise de sa robe attirait tous les regards.
The strawberry red of her dress drew everyone's eyes.
'Fraise' used as a color adjective.
Il ne faut pas équeuter les fraises avant de les rincer.
You shouldn't hull strawberries before rinsing them.
Culinary advice with 'ne pas'.
La Gariguette est sans doute la plus prisée des fraises françaises.
The Gariguette is undoubtedly the most prized of French strawberries.
Superlative 'la plus prisée'.
Le texte évoque la douceur des fraises comme métaphore de l'enfance.
The text evokes the sweetness of strawberries as a metaphor for childhood.
Literary analysis vocabulary.
L'importation massive de fraises d'Espagne pose des problèmes écologiques.
The massive importation of strawberries from Spain poses ecological problems.
Discussing socio-economic issues.
Le dentiste a utilisé sa fraise pour soigner ma carie.
The dentist used his drill to treat my cavity.
Technical meaning of 'fraise'.
Elle portait une fraise empesée, typique de la mode du XVIe siècle.
She wore a starched ruff, typical of 16th-century fashion.
Historical meaning of 'fraise'.
La fragilité des fraises nécessite une manipulation extrêmement délicate.
The fragility of strawberries necessitates extremely delicate handling.
Formal register and abstract nouns.
On sent une pointe d'acidité qui vient équilibrer le sucre des fraises.
One senses a hint of acidity that balances the sugar of the strawberries.
Sophisticated culinary description.
L'arôme de fraise de synthèse est omniprésent dans l'industrie agroalimentaire.
Synthetic strawberry aroma is omnipresent in the food industry.
Scientific/Industrial context.
La fraise, par sa forme cordiforme, a souvent été associée au cœur dans la poésie.
The strawberry, by its heart shape, has often been associated with the heart in poetry.
Advanced vocabulary (cordiforme).
L'étymologie nous révèle que le mot 'fraise' dérive du latin 'fragum', évoquant le parfum.
Etymology reveals that the word 'fraise' derives from the Latin 'fragum', evoking fragrance.
Etymological discussion.
L'andouillette à la fraise de veau est une spécialité lyonnaise controversée.
Andouillette with calf's ruffle (intestine) is a controversial Lyonnaise specialty.
Regional culinary specialty terminology.
Sa propension à ramener sa fraise agace souverainement ses collaborateurs.
His propensity to butt in supremely annoys his colleagues.
High-level vocabulary (propension, souverainement).
Les hybridations successives ont donné naissance à des fraises d'une taille prodigieuse.
Successive hybridizations have given birth to strawberries of a prodigious size.
Scientific botanical context.
La fraise de dentelle qu'il arborait témoignait d'une élégance surannée.
The lace ruff he wore bore witness to an outdated elegance.
Literary and archaic meanings.
L'artiste a capturé l'essence même de la fraise dans sa nature morte.
The artist captured the very essence of the strawberry in his still life.
Artistic critique and abstract concepts.
Il ne faudrait pas que cette affaire finisse en eau de boudin, ou pire, en sucettes aux fraises.
This affair shouldn't end in a fizzle, or worse, in strawberry lollipops (meaningless triviality).
Mixing idioms for rhetorical effect.
تلازمات شائعة
العبارات الشائعة
Ramener sa fraise
Sucrer les fraises
Aller aux fraises
Être aux fraises
Une fraise de veau
La fraise du dentiste
Un fraisier
Des fraises tagada
Faire une cure de fraises
Une tache de fraise
يُخلط عادةً مع
English speakers often mix up strawberries and raspberries because they are both red berries.
The adjective 'frais' (fresh/cool) sounds similar but has a different grammatical function.
The word for 'curls' or 'friezes' is pronounced similarly but spelled differently.
تعبيرات اصطلاحية
"Ramener sa fraise"
To butt in or interject inappropriately.
Arrête de ramener ta fraise !
informal"Sucrer les fraises"
To tremble from old age or nervousness.
À 90 ans, il commence à sucrer les fraises.
informal"Aller aux fraises"
To wear trousers that are too short (showing ankles).
Regarde son pantalon, il va aux fraises !
informal"Être aux fraises"
To be out of one's depth or disconnected from reality.
Le ministre était complètement aux fraises lors de l'interview.
informal"Ramène ta fraise !"
Come here! (Often used to tell someone to hurry up).
Allez, ramène ta fraise, on va être en retard !
slang"Peau de fraise"
A complexion that is bumpy or has large pores.
Il a une peau de fraise à cause de l'acné.
neutral"Compter les fraises"
To waste time or do something useless (rare).
Il passe sa journée à compter les fraises au lieu de travailler.
informal"Fraise de veau"
Calf's mesentery (culinary term).
La fraise de veau est l'ingrédient principal de l'andouillette.
technical"Rouge comme une fraise"
To be very red in the face (from blushing or heat).
Elle est devenue rouge comme une fraise après son compliment.
neutral"Sentir la fraise"
To smell like strawberries (often used for perfumes or soaps).
Ce gel douche sent bon la fraise.
neutralسهل الخلط
Both are common red summer fruits.
A 'fraise' is heart-shaped and solid, while a 'framboise' is small, round, and hollow inside.
Je préfère la confiture de fraises, mais il préfère celle aux framboises.
Related to the same fruit.
A 'fraise' is the fruit itself; a 'fraisier' is the plant or a specific type of cake.
J'ai acheté un fraisier chez le pépiniériste pour avoir des fraises cet été.
Both are red spring/summer fruits.
A 'cerise' (cherry) has a hard pit and grows on a tree, while 'fraises' have tiny seeds on the outside and grow on the ground.
Les cerises arrivent juste après les fraises.
Both are berries.
A 'mûre' (blackberry) is dark purple/black, while a 'fraise' is red. 'Mûre' also means 'ripe'.
Cette fraise n'est pas encore mûre.
Identical word.
One is a fruit, the other is a historical pleated collar. Context is essential.
Henri IV portait une fraise magnifique sur ce tableau.
أنماط الجُمل
J'aime [les fraises].
J'aime les fraises.
Je voudrais [une barquette de fraises].
Je voudrais une barquette de fraises.
Il n'y a plus de [fraises] dans [le frigo].
Il n'y a plus de fraises dans le frigo.
Arrête de [ramener ta fraise] !
Arrête de ramener ta fraise !
La [Gariguette] est la plus [savoureuse] des [fraises].
La Gariguette est la plus savoureuse des fraises.
Sa [propension] à [sucrer les fraises] inquiète [ses proches].
Sa propension à sucrer les fraises inquiète ses proches.
C'est une [tarte aux fraises].
C'est une tarte aux fraises.
Les [fraises] que [j'ai cueillies] sont [bonnes].
Les fraises que j'ai cueillies sont bonnes.
عائلة الكلمة
الأسماء
الأفعال
الصفات
مرتبط
كيفية الاستخدام
Extremely high during spring and summer; moderate year-round due to greenhouse production.
-
Je mange les fraises.
→
Je mange des fraises.
Unless you are eating all the strawberries in the world or a specific set already mentioned, use the partitive 'des'.
-
Un fraise rouge.
→
Une fraise rouge.
Fraise is a feminine noun, so it requires the feminine article 'une'.
-
Glace de fraise.
→
Glace à la fraise.
For flavors, French uses the preposition 'à' followed by the definite article.
-
Pronouncing the final 's'.
→
Pronouncing it /fʁɛz/.
The final 's' in 'fraises' is silent. It does not sound like 'frazes'.
-
Confusing with 'framboise'.
→
Using 'fraise' for strawberry and 'framboise' for raspberry.
These are two different fruits and cannot be used interchangeably.
نصائح
Use 'des' for 'some'
When you want to say 'I am eating strawberries,' always say 'Je mange des fraises.' Leaving out the 'des' is a common beginner mistake.
Look for Gariguettes
If you are in France in the spring, ask for 'Gariguettes'. They are the most famous and flavorful French strawberries.
Wash with stems on
To keep strawberries from getting soggy, wash them before you remove the green stems (équeuter).
Be careful with idioms
'Ramener sa fraise' is quite informal. Only use it with friends or in casual settings.
Fraise vs. Frais
Don't confuse 'fraise' (strawberry) with 'frais' (fresh). 'De l'eau fraîche' is fresh water, but 'des fraises fraîches' are fresh strawberries.
Ask for a barquette
Strawberries are sold in 'barquettes' (punnets). You can ask for 'une barquette de fraises' at the market.
The silent S
Remember that 'fraise' and 'fraises' sound exactly the same. The plural 's' is only for your eyes!
Planting fraisiers
If you want to grow them, buy 'fraisiers'. They are easy to grow in pots or in the ground.
Vitamin C
Strawberries are excellent for your health. In French, you can say they are 'riches en vitamine C'.
Fragrant origin
The name comes from the Latin word for 'fragrant', which helps you remember they should smell good!
احفظها
وسيلة تذكّر
Imagine a **F**rench **R**ed **A**ppetizing **I**tem **S**erving **E**veryone **S**weetness. The 'ai' sounds like the 'e' in 'berry'.
ربط بصري
Visualize a bright red strawberry shaped like a heart, and imagine it wearing a 16th-century 'fraise' (ruff) around its stem.
Word Web
تحدٍّ
Try to use 'fraises' in three different ways today: as a fruit, as a flavor (à la fraise), and in the idiom 'ramener sa fraise'.
أصل الكلمة
The word 'fraise' comes from the Old French 'fraise', which evolved from the Vulgar Latin 'fraga'. This in turn stems from the Classical Latin 'fragum', which referred to the wild strawberry.
المعنى الأصلي: In Latin, 'fragum' is related to 'fragrare' (to smell sweet or fragrant), highlighting the fruit's characteristic aroma.
Indo-European > Italic > Romance > Gallo-Romance > French.السياق الثقافي
The idiom 'sucrer les fraises' can be perceived as slightly mocking towards the elderly or those with Parkinson's disease, so use it with caution.
In the UK and US, strawberries are often associated with Wimbledon or summer cream, similar to the French 'fraises à la crème'. However, the French focus much more on specific botanical varieties.
تدرّب في الحياة الواقعية
سياقات واقعية
At the market
- Une barquette de fraises, s'il vous plaît.
- Sont-elles sucrées ?
- C'est quelle variété ?
- Je vais en prendre deux.
In a restaurant
- Je voudrais les fraises au sucre.
- Avez-vous une tarte aux fraises ?
- Est-ce que c'est servi avec de la crème ?
- Une glace à la fraise, s'il vous plaît.
Cooking at home
- Il faut équeuter les fraises.
- Ajoute un peu de jus de citron sur les fraises.
- On fait une confiture ?
- Coupe les fraises en morceaux.
Gardening
- Mes fraisiers donnent beaucoup de fruits.
- Les limaces mangent mes fraises.
- Il faut arroser les fraises le soir.
- On peut cueillir les fraises maintenant.
Informal social setting
- Arrête de ramener ta fraise !
- Il commence à sucrer les fraises.
- T'es complètement aux fraises, toi !
- Ramène ta fraise par ici !
بدايات محادثة
"Est-ce que tu préfères les fraises ou les framboises ?"
"Quelle est ta façon préférée de manger des fraises ?"
"As-tu déjà goûté aux fraises des bois ?"
"Sais-tu quand commence la saison des fraises en France ?"
"Connais-tu la recette du vrai fraisier français ?"
مواضيع للكتابة اليومية
Décrivez votre souvenir d'enfance préféré impliquant des fraises.
Si vous deviez créer un nouveau dessert avec des fraises, que feriez-vous ?
Pourquoi pensez-vous que les fraises sont si populaires dans la culture française ?
Racontez une fois où vous êtes allé cueillir des fruits dans une ferme.
Imaginez une conversation où quelqu'un 'ramène sa fraise' de façon amusante.
الأسئلة الشائعة
10 أسئلةIt is always feminine: 'une fraise' or 'la fraise'. Even in the plural, you use feminine adjectives: 'des fraises rouges'.
You say 'confiture de fraises'. Note that 'fraises' is plural because jam is made from many berries.
It is a slang expression meaning to butt in or interject in a conversation where you weren't invited. It treats 'fraise' as a metaphor for the face.
No. 'Fraises' are strawberries, and 'framboises' are raspberries. They look and taste very different.
It is pronounced like the 'e' in 'met' or 'bed'. It is a short, open sound: /ɛ/.
It can be the strawberry plant or a delicious French cake made with sponge, cream, and fresh strawberries.
The peak season is from April to June, though some varieties continue through the summer.
In French, 'la fraise' is the common name for the dental drill, likely because of its shape or the way it 'mills' the tooth.
They are wild strawberries. They are much smaller than garden strawberries but have a very intense, sweet flavor.
No, the final 's' is silent. The word sounds the same in singular and plural unless there is a liaison with the next word.
اختبر نفسك 200 أسئلة
Translate: 'I would like a punnet of strawberries, please.'
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Write a sentence using 'fraises' and 'sucre'.
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Explain the idiom 'ramener sa fraise' in French.
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Translate: 'Strawberry season is my favorite time of year.'
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Describe a 'fraisier' cake in one sentence.
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Translate: 'We went to pick wild strawberries in the woods.'
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Write a sentence using the color 'rouge fraise'.
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Translate: 'There are no more strawberries in the basket.'
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Translate: 'The dentist's drill makes a scary noise.'
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Write a question asking if someone likes strawberries.
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Translate: 'I bought two kilos of strawberries to make jam.'
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Translate: 'Ripe strawberries are very sweet.'
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Translate: 'Don't butt in!' using the strawberry idiom.
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Translate: 'A strawberry sorbet is very refreshing.'
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Translate: 'She is as red as a strawberry.'
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Translate: 'The strawberry plant has white flowers.'
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Translate: 'I prefer strawberries to raspberries.'
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Translate: 'Wash the strawberries quickly.'
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Translate: 'My grandmother makes strawberry jam every year.'
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Translate: 'Would you like some strawberries with cream?'
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Pronounce: 'Une fraise'.
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Pronounce: 'Des fraises'.
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Pronounce: 'Tarte aux fraises'.
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Pronounce: 'Ramener sa fraise'.
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Pronounce: 'Sucrer les fraises'.
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Pronounce: 'La saison des fraises'.
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Say: 'I like strawberries.' in French.
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Say: 'A punnet of strawberries, please.' in French.
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Say: 'These strawberries are very sweet.' in French.
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Say: 'I am making a strawberry cake.' in French.
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Pronounce the 'ai' sound in 'fraise'.
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Say: 'Wild strawberries' in French.
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Say: 'Strawberry ice cream' in French.
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Say: 'I bought some strawberries.' in French.
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Say: 'Don't butt in!' using the idiom.
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Say: 'Strawberry jam' in French.
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Say: 'It is strawberry season.' in French.
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Say: 'The strawberries are red.' in French.
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Say: 'I prefer strawberries.' in French.
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Say: 'One kilo of strawberries.' in French.
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Listen and identify: 'fraise' vs 'frais'.
Listen and identify: 'fraise' vs 'framboise'.
Listen to the sentence: 'Je voudrais des fraises.' What does the speaker want?
Listen to the sentence: 'La tarte aux fraises est prête.' What is ready?
Listen and identify the number: 'J'ai acheté trois barquettes de fraises.'
Listen for the idiom: 'Il ramène toujours sa fraise.' What is the idiom?
Listen and identify the adjective: 'Les fraises sont mûres.'
Listen: 'confiture de fraises'. What food is it?
Listen: 'fraises des bois'. Where do they come from?
Listen: 'un fraisier'. What are the two possible meanings?
Listen and identify the color: 'rouge fraise'.
Listen: 'équeuter les fraises'. What is the action?
Listen: 'glace à la fraise'. What flavor is it?
Listen: 'barquette de fraises'. What is the container?
Listen: 'fraises au sucre'. What is added to the fruit?
/ 200 correct
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Summary
The word 'fraises' (strawberries) is a feminine noun essential for A2 learners, used in culinary, market, and idiomatic contexts. Example: 'J'adore manger des fraises fraîches avec de la chantilly.'
- The word 'fraises' is the plural for strawberries, a staple feminine noun in French vocabulary, essential for food and shopping contexts.
- Culturally, strawberries are a symbol of spring in France, with famous varieties like the Gariguette being highly prized for their flavor.
- Grammatically, 'fraise' is feminine and often requires the partitive article 'des' when referring to an unspecified quantity of the fruit.
- Beyond fruit, 'fraise' has idiomatic meanings like 'ramener sa fraise' (to butt in) and technical meanings like a dental drill.
Use 'des' for 'some'
When you want to say 'I am eating strawberries,' always say 'Je mange des fraises.' Leaving out the 'des' is a common beginner mistake.
Look for Gariguettes
If you are in France in the spring, ask for 'Gariguettes'. They are the most famous and flavorful French strawberries.
Wash with stems on
To keep strawberries from getting soggy, wash them before you remove the green stems (équeuter).
Be careful with idioms
'Ramener sa fraise' is quite informal. Only use it with friends or in casual settings.
محتوى ذو صلة
مزيد من كلمات food
à base de
B1على أساس؛ مصنوع من مكون أساسي معين.
à la boulangerie
A2At the bakery.
à la carte
A2طلب أطباق فردية من القائمة بدلاً من وجبة محددة السعر.
à la charcuterie
A2At the deli; where cold meats and prepared foods are sold.
à la coque
A2Soft-boiled (for eggs).
à la demande
B1On demand; upon request.
à la poêle
A2مطبوخ في المقلاة؛ مقلي في المقلاة.
à la poissonnerie
A2At the fishmonger's; where fresh fish is sold.
à la vapeur
A2مطبوخ بالبخار؛ على البخار.
à l'apéritif
B1في وقت فاتح الشهية؛ ما يقدم قبل الوجبة الرئيسية.