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le barbecue

B1 noun 11 min read

le barbecue

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips le barbecue in 30 Seconds

Explanation le barbecue in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should recognize 'le barbecue' as a simple noun for a common summer activity. You learn it alongside other basic food and hobby words. You should be able to say 'J'aime le barbecue' (I like barbecue) or 'Je fais un barbecue' (I am having a barbecue). At this stage, you don't need to know the technical details of the grill, but you should know it's masculine and happens in the 'jardin' (garden) with 'amis' (friends). You might also learn basic food items that go on it, like 'la viande' (meat) or 'les saucisses' (sausages). The focus is on basic identification and very simple sentence structures using the present tense. You might also encounter it in basic vocabulary lists about 'les loisirs' (hobbies) or 'les vacances' (holidays).

At the A2 level, you can begin to describe the barbecue in more detail. You can talk about the weather needed for it: 'Il fait beau, on peut faire un barbecue'. You can also use basic adjectives to describe it, such as 'grand', 'petit', 'bon', or 'amusant'. You should be able to handle simple past tense sentences like 'Samedi, nous avons fait un barbecue'. You can also start to use related nouns like 'le charbon' (charcoal) and 'le feu' (fire). You might be able to understand a simple invitation: 'Tu veux venir manger un barbecue chez moi samedi prochain ?'. You are expected to know that it is a masculine noun and use the correct articles (un, le, du). You can also express preferences, such as 'Je préfère le barbecue au gaz'.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'le barbecue' in a variety of social contexts. You can discuss the organization of the event: 'Qui va s'occuper d'allumer le barbecue ?' or 'Qu'est-ce qu'on doit acheter pour le barbecue ?'. You can describe the atmosphere and the social importance of these gatherings in France. You should be able to use the word in more complex sentence structures, including conditional sentences: 'Si nous avions un jardin, nous ferions un barbecue tous les week-ends'. You also begin to understand cultural nuances, such as the difference between a 'barbecue' and a 'plancha'. You can participate in a conversation about what to bring to a barbecue (e.g., 'J'apporterai une salade et du vin'). Your vocabulary expands to include 'la grille', 'les braises', and 'la marinade'.

At the B2 level, you can engage in detailed discussions about the pros and cons of different types of barbecues (charcoal vs. gas vs. electric). You can talk about the environmental impact of charcoal or the health aspects of grilled meat. You can understand and use more idiomatic or colloquial expressions, like the slang 'barbeuc'. You should be able to follow a debate or a detailed article about barbecue trends in France. You can describe the process of marinating and grilling with precision, using verbs like 'saisir', 'mijoter' (if applicable), and 'infuser'. You can also discuss the cultural differences between barbecues in different countries, such as comparing a French barbecue to an American one or a South African braai. You can use the word in formal writing if necessary, perhaps in a piece about summer traditions.

At the C1 level, you have a deep understanding of the word's place in French culture and literature. You can discuss the 'barbecue' as a social phenomenon and its role in modern French conviviality. You can use the word in sophisticated arguments, perhaps discussing the sociology of outdoor dining or the 'maître du barbecue' as a gendered role in many households. You are comfortable with all registers, from the highly informal 'barbeuc' to more technical culinary descriptions. You can understand subtle humor or irony related to barbecues in films or books. You can write detailed descriptions of the sensory experiences of a barbecue—the smell of the smoke, the sound of the sizzling meat, the visual of the glowing embers—using a wide range of evocative vocabulary.

At the C2 level, you use 'le barbecue' with the same nuance and ease as a native speaker. You can analyze the word's etymology and its journey into the French language. You can discuss the barbecue in a historical or philosophical context, perhaps linking it to the primal human connection to fire and communal eating. You can interpret complex texts where the barbecue might be used as a metaphor for social harmony or domestic tension. You are capable of navigating any linguistic situation involving the word, whether it's a technical manual for a high-end grill, a legal dispute about smoke nuisance between neighbors, or a poetic description in a novel. Your mastery includes an awareness of regional variations in how barbecues are conducted and discussed across the Francophone world.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

le barbecue in 30 Seconds

Le barbecue is a masculine noun referring to both the grill and the outdoor party.
It is primarily used with the verb 'faire' (faire un barbecue).
It is a central part of French summer culture and social life.
Common foods include merguez, chipolatas, and marinated meats.

The French term le barbecue refers to both the physical apparatus used for grilling food and the social event centered around this cooking method. In the French cultural landscape, a barbecue is synonymous with the arrival of warm weather, typically spanning from late spring through the end of summer. Unlike the American tradition which often focuses on low-and-slow smoked meats or specific regional sauces, the French barbecue is frequently a more spontaneous affair involving quick-grilling meats like merguez (spicy North African sausages) and chipolatas (herbed pork sausages). It is the quintessential social glue for Sunday family lunches or Saturday evening gatherings with friends.

The Apparatus: The physical grill itself, whether it is powered by charcoal (charbon de bois), gas (gaz), or electricity (électrique). In French hardware stores, you will see signs for 'Vente de barbecues'.
The Event: The social gathering. When someone says 'On fait un barbecue dimanche ?', they are inviting you to a party, not just offering a cooking method. It implies a long afternoon of eating, drinking, and socializing.
Cultural Nuance: In France, the 'apéritif' (pre-dinner drinks and snacks) is a mandatory precursor to the barbecue. While the 'maître du barbecue' (the host usually in charge of the grill) manages the flames, guests linger nearby with glasses of rosé or pastis.

Nous avons passé tout l'après-midi à préparer le barbecue pour l'anniversaire de Julie.

The word is masculine and follows standard French grammatical rules for nouns. It is an anglicism, borrowed from English, which in turn borrowed it from the Spanish 'barbacoa'. Despite its foreign origin, it is deeply embedded in the French lifestyle. You will hear it used in various contexts, from casual backyard settings to campsite interactions. It represents a break from the formal structure of a traditional French three-course meal, offering a more relaxed, buffet-style atmosphere where people often eat standing up or sitting on grass.

N'oublie pas d'acheter du charbon pour le barbecue ce soir.

Le voisin a allumé son barbecue, ça sent bon la viande grillée.

Est-ce que tu préfères un barbecue au gaz ou au charbon ?

On a fait un barbecue géant pour la fête du village.

When inviting someone, the phrase 'faire un barbecue' is the standard construction. It encompasses the entire process of setting up, cooking, and eating. The term is also found in many commercial contexts, such as 'sauce barbecue' or 'ustensiles de barbecue'. Overall, it is a word associated with joy, relaxation, and the simple pleasures of outdoor dining.

Using le barbecue correctly involves understanding its role as a masculine noun and its common verbal pairings. The most frequent verb used with it is faire (to do/make). When you say 'On fait un barbecue', you are saying 'We are having a barbecue'. This is the standard way to express the idea of hosting or attending the event. Another essential verb is allumer (to light), as in 'allumer le barbecue'. This refers to the act of starting the fire or turning on the gas. Conversely, éteindre (to extinguish/turn off) is used when the cooking is finished.

Subject Position: Le barbecue est prêt. (The barbecue is ready.) Here, it acts as the subject of the sentence, referring to either the food or the grill being at the right temperature.
Direct Object: J'ai acheté un nouveau barbecue. (I bought a new barbecue.) In this case, it specifically refers to the physical machine.
Prepositional Use: Cuire la viande au barbecue. (To cook the meat on/in the barbecue.) The preposition 'au' (à + le) is typically used to describe the method of cooking.

Si le temps le permet, nous ferons le barbecue sur la terrasse.

In more descriptive sentences, you might specify the type of barbecue. 'Un barbecue à charbon' (a charcoal barbecue) provides a smoky flavor, whereas 'un barbecue à gaz' (a gas barbecue) is praised for its convenience and speed. If you are discussing the flavors, you would use 'goût barbecue' or 'sauce barbecue'. For example, 'Cette marinade donne un excellent goût de barbecue aux côtes de porc'.

Il y a trop de fumée qui sort de le barbecue, fais attention !

Les enfants adorent quand on organise un barbecue dans le jardin.

Après avoir fini, n'oubliez pas de nettoyer la grille de votre barbecue.

Le barbecue est une tradition estivale incontournable en France.

When describing the process, you might use verbs like griller (to grill), rôtir (to roast), or saisir (to sear). 'Il faut bien saisir la viande sur le barbecue pour garder le jus'. The word also appears in compound nouns like 'pince à barbecue' (barbecue tongs) or 'housse de barbecue' (barbecue cover). In professional culinary contexts, you might hear the term 'grillade', which is often used interchangeably with barbecue when referring to the food itself. However, 'barbecue' remains the most popular term for the social event.

You will encounter the word le barbecue in a variety of real-life settings across the French-speaking world. In residential areas during the summer, it is common to hear neighbors calling out to each other over fences about their weekend plans: 'On sort le barbecue ce soir !' (We're bringing out the barbecue tonight!). In supermarkets like Carrefour or Leclerc, entire aisles are dedicated to 'le rayon barbecue' during the months of June, July, and August. You will see large displays of charcoal, fire starters (allume-feu), and marinated meats. Radio and television advertisements also heavily feature the word, often promoting summer deals on outdoor furniture and grilling equipment.

In the Media: Weather reports often mention 'un temps idéal pour un barbecue' (ideal weather for a barbecue) when forecasting sunny, windless days.
At the Campsite: Campsites (campings) are the heart of barbecue culture in France. You will hear announcements about 'barbecues collectifs' (communal barbecues) or see signs indicating where 'les barbecues individuels' are permitted.
In Popular Culture: There is even a famous French comedy film titled 'Barbecue' (2014) which centers around a group of friends and their summer gatherings, illustrating how central this concept is to French social identity.

À la radio, l'animateur a dit que c'était le week-end parfait pour sortir le barbecue.

If you are invited to a French home, the host might ask, 'Tu t'occupes du barbecue ?' (Will you take care of the barbecue?), meaning they want you to watch the meat. In casual conversation, the slang version 'barbeuc' is extremely prevalent. You might hear a teenager say, 'On se fait un petit barbeuc chez moi ?'. It is also a common topic in office small talk on Monday mornings: 'Alors, vous avez fait un barbecue ce week-end avec ce beau soleil ?' (So, did you have a barbecue this weekend with this beautiful sun?).

Le catalogue de jardinage propose une large gamme de barbecues modernes.

J'ai entendu dire qu'il y aurait un barbecue après le match de foot.

Dans les parcs publics, l'usage du barbecue est souvent réglementé.

Regarde, il y a une promo sur les briquettes pour le barbecue.

Furthermore, the word appears on restaurant menus, specifically in 'steak houses' or grill-themed restaurants, where 'cuisson au barbecue' is a selling point. In summary, whether you are shopping, watching a movie, or chatting with neighbors, 'le barbecue' is a word you will hear constantly during the French summer.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when using le barbecue is related to its gender. In English, nouns don't have gender, but in French, 'barbecue' is strictly masculine. Many learners accidentally say 'la barbecue' because they might associate it with 'la fête' (the party) or 'la cuisine' (the kitchen). Always remember: un barbecue, le barbecue. Another common error is the pronunciation. English speakers often pronounce the 'ue' at the end like 'yoo' (as in 'cue'), but in French, the 'u' is a pure vowel and the 'e' is silent. It sounds more like 'bar-be-ky'.

Gender Confusion: Incorrect: 'La barbecue est chaude.' Correct: 'Le barbecue est chaud.' The adjective must also be masculine.
Preposition Errors: Incorrect: 'Cuire dans le barbecue.' Correct: 'Cuire au barbecue.' While 'dans' isn't strictly wrong for the physical machine, 'au' is the standard way to describe the method.
Spelling: Learners sometimes forget the 'c' before the 'u' or try to spell it 'barbeque' (the alternative English spelling). In French, 'barbecue' with a 'c' is the standard spelling.

Attention à ne pas dire 'la' barbecue, c'est un nom masculin.

Another mistake involves the use of the word 'grill'. While 'le grill' exists in French, it usually refers to a small indoor electrical appliance or a specific part of an oven. If you are outside with coals, you should use 'le barbecue'. Additionally, don't confuse 'le barbecue' with 'la plancha'. A plancha is a flat metal plate used for cooking, very popular in France and Spain, but it is not a barbecue because it doesn't use a grill rack.

Beaucoup d'étudiants font l'erreur de prononcer le 'e' final de barbecue.

Il ne faut pas confondre le barbecue avec une simple poêle à griller.

On n'utilise pas le mot barbecue pour parler d'un four traditionnel.

L'expression 'faire un barbecue' est plus courante que 'cuisiner au barbecue'.

Finally, be careful with the plural. It is 'des barbecues' with an 's'. Some learners try to apply irregular plural rules, but this word is regular. By avoiding these common pitfalls, your French will sound much more natural and precise when discussing summer plans.

While le barbecue is the most common term, there are several similar words and alternatives that you should know to enrich your vocabulary and understand different contexts. The most direct synonym for the food itself is une grillade. This refers to any piece of meat or fish that has been grilled. You might see 'Assiette de grillades' on a menu. Another important term is le méchoui, which specifically refers to a North African tradition of roasting a whole lamb on a spit, often performed at large French outdoor gatherings.

Une Grillade vs Le Barbecue: 'Le barbecue' is the event or the tool; 'une grillade' is the specific item of food. You eat grillades during a barbecue.
La Plancha: A very popular alternative in France. It's a flat, high-heat metal plate. It's often preferred for delicate items like seafood or small vegetables that might fall through a barbecue grill.
Le Rôtissage: This refers to the act of roasting. While a barbecue can roast meat, 'rôtissage' is more formal and usually associated with a rotisserie (tournebroche).

Pour changer du barbecue classique, nous avons acheté une plancha électrique.

If you are looking for a more formal or old-fashioned term, you might hear un feu de camp (campfire) if the cooking is done over an open pit in the woods, though this is less about the culinary results and more about the atmosphere. In a culinary setting, a grille-viande might be used for an indoor electric contact grill. For the slang-inclined, un barbeuc is the go-to alternative.

Le restaurant propose des grillades au feu de bois tous les soirs.

On a organisé un méchoui pour le mariage de mon cousin.

Est-ce qu'on fait un barbeuc improvisé ce soir ?

La plancha est plus facile à nettoyer que la grille du barbecue.

Understanding these distinctions helps you navigate social invitations more effectively. If someone invites you to 'un méchoui', expect a large, festive, and meat-heavy event. If it's 'une plancha', expect something perhaps a bit more modern or Mediterranean. Regardless of the term, the spirit of outdoor conviviality remains the same.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The word entered the French language in the 1950s and 60s as American lifestyle trends began to influence Europe after World War II. Before this, the French primarily used terms like 'grillade'.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈbɑː.bɪ.kjuː/

US /ˈbɑːr.bə.kjuː/

In French, the stress is typically even or slightly on the last syllable: bar-be-CUE.

Rhymes With

pointu tendu connu vendu tissu perdu reçu déçu

Common Errors

Pronouncing the final 'e' as a separate syllable.
Using the English 'yoo' sound for the 'u'.
Over-emphasizing the 'r' like in American English.
Confusing the 'u' sound with 'ou' (like 'boot').
Failing to keep the 'e' in the middle short and neutral.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize due to its English origin.

Writing 3/5

Spelling is generally easy but remember it's masculine.

Speaking 4/5

Pronunciation of the 'u' can be tricky for English speakers.

Listening 2/5

Very easy to identify in spoken conversation.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

la viande le jardin manger été le feu

Learn Next

la plancha la grillade les merguez le charbon l'apéritif

Advanced

le rôtissage la combustion le méchoui la convivialité les braises

Grammar to Know

Masculine nouns ending in 'e'

Le barbecue, le groupe, le monde.

Contractions with 'à' and 'de'

Au barbecue (à + le), du barbecue (de + le).

The use of 'faire' for activities

Faire un barbecue, faire du sport, faire la cuisine.

Adjective agreement with masculine nouns

Un barbecue chaud, des barbecues délicieux.

Prepositions of location

Sur le barbecue, dans le jardin, à côté du barbecue.

Examples by Level

J'aime faire un barbecue en été.

I like to have a barbecue in summer.

Uses 'faire un' for the event.

Le barbecue est dans le jardin.

The barbecue is in the garden.

Refers to the physical object.

Papa allume le barbecue.

Dad lights the barbecue.

Present tense of 'allumer'.

Nous mangeons des saucisses au barbecue.

We are eating sausages at the barbecue.

Preposition 'au' (à + le).

C'est un petit barbecue.

It is a small barbecue.

Masculine adjective 'petit'.

Tu aimes le barbecue ?

Do you like barbecue?

Direct question with 'le'.

Il y a du poulet sur le barbecue.

There is chicken on the barbecue.

Preposition 'sur' for location.

Le barbecue est fini.

The barbecue is finished.

Past participle 'fini' as adjective.

Samedi dernier, nous avons fait un barbecue avec les voisins.

Last Saturday, we had a barbecue with the neighbors.

Passé composé with 'faire'.

Il faut acheter du charbon pour le barbecue.

We need to buy charcoal for the barbecue.

Partitive article 'du' with 'charbon'.

Le barbecue à gaz est très pratique.

The gas barbecue is very practical.

Compound noun structure 'à gaz'.

Est-ce que tu peux nettoyer le barbecue ?

Can you clean the barbecue?

Infinitive 'nettoyer' after 'peux'.

Il y a beaucoup de fumée qui sort du barbecue.

There is a lot of smoke coming out of the barbecue.

Contraction 'du' (de + le).

On va faire un barbecue s'il ne pleut pas.

We are going to have a barbecue if it doesn't rain.

Future 'aller' + infinitive.

J'ai mis la viande sur le barbecue il y a dix minutes.

I put the meat on the barbecue ten minutes ago.

Time expression 'il y a'.

Le barbecue est trop chaud, fais attention !

The barbecue is too hot, be careful!

Adverb 'trop' modifying 'chaud'.

Je t'invite à un barbecue pour fêter mon nouvel appartement.

I'm inviting you to a barbecue to celebrate my new apartment.

Preposition 'à' for invitation.

Le secret d'un bon barbecue, c'est la marinade.

The secret of a good barbecue is the marinade.

Genitive 'd'un' (of a).

Pendant que le barbecue chauffe, nous prendrons l'apéritif.

While the barbecue heats up, we will have an aperitif.

Subordinating conjunction 'pendant que'.

Il a plu tout l'après-midi, alors on a annulé le barbecue.

It rained all afternoon, so we cancelled the barbecue.

Logical connector 'alors'.

Est-ce que vous préférez la cuisson au barbecue ou à la plancha ?

Do you prefer cooking on the barbecue or on the griddle?

Comparison of two methods.

Le maître du barbecue surveille attentivement les brochettes.

The barbecue master is carefully watching the skewers.

Noun phrase 'maître du barbecue'.

On pourrait faire un barbecue ce soir si tu veux.

We could have a barbecue tonight if you want.

Conditional mood 'pourrait'.

N'oublie pas de retourner les merguez sur le barbecue.

Don't forget to flip the merguez on the barbecue.

Imperative 'oublie' with negation.

L'odeur du barbecue me rappelle mes vacances d'enfance.

The smell of the barbecue reminds me of my childhood holidays.

Pronominal verb 'me rappelle'.

Bien que ce soit interdit dans ce parc, certains font quand même des barbecues.

Although it is forbidden in this park, some people still have barbecues.

Subjunctive 'soit' after 'bien que'.

Le barbecue à charbon offre une saveur fumée que le gaz ne peut égaler.

The charcoal barbecue offers a smoky flavor that gas cannot match.

Relative clause with 'que'.

Il faudrait investir dans une housse pour protéger le barbecue des intempéries.

We should invest in a cover to protect the barbecue from bad weather.

Conditional 'faudrait' for suggestion.

La convivialité est l'essence même d'un barbecue réussi.

Conviviality is the very essence of a successful barbecue.

Abstract noun 'convivialité'.

Le barbecue est devenu un véritable rituel social en France dès les premiers rayons de soleil.

The barbecue has become a true social ritual in France as soon as the first rays of sun appear.

Adverbial phrase 'dès les premiers rayons'.

On m'a dit que le barbecue électrique était moins dangereux pour la santé.

I was told that the electric barbecue was less dangerous for health.

Passive-like 'on m'a dit'.

Il n'y a rien de tel qu'un barbecue pour rassembler toute la famille.

There is nothing like a barbecue to bring the whole family together.

Idiomatic 'rien de tel que'.

Le barbecue, au-delà de sa fonction culinaire, agit comme un catalyseur social.

The barbecue, beyond its culinary function, acts as a social catalyst.

Prepositional phrase 'au-delà de'.

Certaines copropriétés interdisent le barbecue sur les balcons pour éviter les nuisances sonores et olfactives.

Some co-ownerships forbid barbecues on balconies to avoid noise and smell nuisances.

Technical term 'copropriétés'.

L'engouement pour le barbecue ne faiblit pas, malgré les préoccupations environnementales liées au charbon.

The craze for barbecues does not weaken, despite environmental concerns related to charcoal.

Noun 'engouement' (craze).

Il a fallu des heures pour que les braises du barbecue soient à la température idéale.

It took hours for the barbecue embers to be at the ideal temperature.

Subjunctive 'soient' after 'pour que'.

Le film 'Barbecue' explore avec humour les tensions sous-jacentes d'un groupe d'amis en vacances.

The film 'Barbecue' humorously explores the underlying tensions of a group of friends on holiday.

Adjective 'sous-jacentes'.

Le barbecue est souvent le théâtre de débats animés sur la meilleure façon de cuire une côte de bœuf.

The barbecue is often the stage for lively debates on the best way to cook a rib of beef.

Metaphor 'le théâtre de'.

On peut déplorer la simplification du barbecue qui tend à devenir une simple consommation de masse.

One can deplore the simplification of the barbecue, which tends to become a simple mass consumption.

Infinitive 'déplorer' (to regret/lament).

La maîtrise du feu lors d'un barbecue relève presque d'un art ancestral pour certains passionnés.

Mastering the fire during a barbecue is almost like an ancestral art for some enthusiasts.

Verb 'relève de' (pertains to/is akin to).

La sémantique du mot 'barbecue' a évolué pour englober une dimension quasi sacrée de la réunion estivale.

The semantics of the word 'barbecue' has evolved to encompass an almost sacred dimension of the summer gathering.

Academic term 'sémantique'.

Dans son dernier roman, l'auteur utilise le barbecue comme une métaphore de la combustion lente des relations humaines.

In his latest novel, the author uses the barbecue as a metaphor for the slow combustion of human relations.

Literary analysis.

L'usage immodéré du barbecue en zone urbaine dense soulève des problématiques de santé publique non négligeables.

The immoderate use of barbecues in dense urban areas raises significant public health issues.

Formal register 'soulève des problématiques'.

Le barbecue incarne cette volonté de retour à une forme de rusticité primitive au cœur de notre modernité technologique.

The barbecue embodies this desire to return to a form of primitive rusticity in the heart of our technological modernity.

Philosophical concept 'rusticité'.

Il est fascinant d'observer comment le barbecue, d'origine caribéenne, s'est acclimaté aux spécificités du terroir français.

It is fascinating to observe how the barbecue, of Caribbean origin, has adapted to the specificities of the French terroir.

Verb 's'est acclimaté'.

L'esthétique du barbecue contemporain oscille entre le design épuré des modèles haut de gamme et le caractère brut des foyers ouverts.

The aesthetics of the contemporary barbecue oscillate between the sleek design of high-end models and the raw character of open hearths.

Structure 'oscille entre... et...'.

La polémique sur le genre du 'maître du barbecue' témoigne de l'évolution des mœurs au sein de la sphère domestique.

The controversy over the gender of the 'barbecue master' reflects the evolution of customs within the domestic sphere.

Sociological commentary.

On ne saurait réduire le barbecue à un simple mode de cuisson ; il s'agit d'une véritable praxis de la convivialité.

One cannot reduce the barbecue to a simple cooking method; it is a true praxis of conviviality.

Formal negation 'on ne saurait'.

Common Collocations

allumer le barbecue

faire un barbecue

barbecue à charbon

sauce barbecue

ustensiles de barbecue

grille de barbecue

inviter pour un barbecue

saison des barbecues

maître du barbecue

barbecue électrique

Common Phrases

On se fait un barbecue ?

— A casual way to suggest having a barbecue. It uses the pronominal form for emphasis.

Il fait beau, on se fait un barbecue ?

Sortir le barbecue

— To bring the grill out from storage, signaling the start of the season. It marks a transition to summer.

On a enfin sorti le barbecue du garage.

Cuire au barbecue

— To cook using the barbecue method. This is the grammatically correct way to describe the cooking.

J'adore cuire le poisson au barbecue.

Un barbecue géant

— A very large gathering, often for a community or large party. It implies a lot of food and people.

La mairie organise un barbecue géant le 14 juillet.

Autour du barbecue

— Literally 'around the barbecue', describing the social gathering place. It highlights the communal aspect.

On a discuté pendant des heures autour du barbecue.

Le barbecue est chaud

— A signal that the grill is ready for the meat. It's an important cue for the cook.

Le barbecue est chaud, tu peux apporter les chipolatas.

Nettoyer le barbecue

— The chore of cleaning the grill after use. It's often the part people like the least.

C'est toujours moi qui dois nettoyer le barbecue.

Un barbecue entre amis

— A barbecue with friends, emphasizing the relaxed social nature. It's a standard social unit in France.

Rien ne vaut un petit barbecue entre amis.

Le goût de barbecue

— The specific smoky flavor associated with grilling. It can also refer to artificial flavorings.

Ces chips ont vraiment un bon goût de barbecue.

Un barbecue improvisé

— A last-minute barbecue party. It reflects the spontaneous nature of summer social life.

On a fini par faire un barbecue improvisé hier soir.

Often Confused With

le barbecue vs le gril

Le gril is often smaller or part of an oven, whereas le barbecue is usually outdoor and larger.

le barbecue vs la plancha

La plancha uses a solid plate; le barbecue uses a wire rack (grille).

le barbecue vs le pique-nique

A picnic is usually cold food brought to a location; a barbecue involves cooking on site.

Idioms & Expressions

"Être sur le grill"

— To be in a difficult or stressful situation where one is being questioned. While 'grill' is used, it relates to the heat of the barbecue.

Le ministre était sur le grill pendant l'interview.

informal

"Il n'y a pas de fumée sans feu"

— There is no smoke without fire. Frequently cited when smoke is seen from a neighbor's barbecue.

On voit de la fumée, le barbecue doit être allumé ; il n'y a pas de fumée sans feu.

neutral

"Mettre le feu aux poudres"

— To ignite a situation. Sometimes jokingly used when someone is struggling to light the barbecue charcoal.

Fais attention avec l'allume-feu, tu vas mettre le feu aux poudres !

neutral

"Tourner autour du pot"

— To beat around the bush. Sometimes used when someone is waiting too long to put the meat on the barbecue.

Arrête de tourner autour du pot et mets la viande sur le barbecue !

informal

"C'est du tout cuit"

— It's a done deal or very easy. Often used in social contexts during a barbecue.

Pour le match de ce soir, c'est du tout cuit !

informal

"Avoir d'autres chats à fouetter"

— To have other fish to fry (other things to do). Used when someone is too busy to help with the barbecue.

Je ne peux pas t'aider pour le barbecue, j'ai d'autres chats à fouetter.

neutral

"Vendre la peau de l'ours avant de l'avoir tué"

— To count your chickens before they hatch. Used if someone celebrates a perfect barbecue before it's actually finished.

N'annonce pas que c'est délicieux, la viande est encore sur le barbecue ; ne vends pas la peau de l'ours !

neutral

"Se tenir à carreau"

— To watch one's step. Jokingly used for children playing near a hot barbecue.

Les enfants, tenez-vous à carreau près du barbecue !

informal

"Pédaler dans la semoule"

— To struggle or get nowhere. Used when someone can't get the fire started.

Ça fait une heure qu'il pédale dans la semoule avec son barbecue.

informal

"Faire chou blanc"

— To fail. Used if the barbecue is a total failure (e.g., rain, burnt meat).

On a voulu faire un barbecue mais avec l'orage, on a fait chou blanc.

neutral

Easily Confused

le barbecue vs la barbe

Similar spelling at the start.

La barbe means 'the beard'. It has nothing to do with cooking.

Il a une longue barbe blanche.

le barbecue vs le barbier

Similar root sound.

A barber. Again, unrelated to grilling.

Je vais chez le barbier.

le barbecue vs barbe à papa

Starts with 'barbe'.

Cotton candy (literally 'dad's beard').

Les enfants mangent une barbe à papa à la fête.

le barbecue vs barbare

Phonetic similarity.

Barbarian or cruel.

C'est un acte barbare.

le barbecue vs barboter

Phonetic similarity.

To splash around or to steal (slang).

Les canards barbotent dans l'eau.

Sentence Patterns

J'aime [le barbecue].

J'aime le barbecue.

Nous faisons [un barbecue] [temps].

Nous faisons un barbecue samedi.

Il [allume] le barbecue pour [action].

Il allume le barbecue pour cuire les brochettes.

Si [condition], nous ferions [un barbecue].

S'il ne pleuvait pas, nous ferions un barbecue.

Malgré [nom], le barbecue reste [adjectif].

Malgré la pluie, le barbecue reste convivial.

Le barbecue constitue [nom] de la [nom].

Le barbecue constitue le point d'orgue de la journée.

C'est [adjectif] de faire [un barbecue].

C'est agréable de faire un barbecue.

Est-ce que [sujet] veut [un barbecue] ?

Est-ce que tu veux un barbecue ?

Word Family

Nouns

la grillade

le gril

le rôtissage

le charbonneur

Verbs

griller

rôtir

carboniser

flamber

Adjectives

grillé

rôti

fumé

carbonisé

la plancha

le méchoui

le tournebroche

l'allume-feu

le charbon

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high during summer months, low during winter.

Common Mistakes

La barbecue → Le barbecue
The word is masculine, even if it ends in 'e'.
Je barbecue la viande → Je cuis la viande au barbecue
Barbecue is a noun, not a verb in French.
Un barbecue de gaz → Un barbecue à gaz
Use the preposition 'à' to describe the power source of a machine.
Pronouncing 'bar-be-cue' (3 syllables clearly) → bar-be-ky
The 'ue' is treated as a single French 'u' sound, and the 'e' is silent.
Dans le barbecue → Au barbecue
When referring to the cooking style, 'au' is preferred over 'dans'.

Tips

Learn the tools

Learn words like 'la pince' (tongs) and 'la grille' (rack) to be more helpful during the event.

Don't forget the drink

In France, a barbecue is always preceded by an 'apéritif'. Don't arrive and expect to eat immediately!

Gender focus

Associate 'le barbecue' with 'le jardin' (the garden) to remember they are both masculine.

The final 'e'

The final 'e' is silent. If you pronounce it, you will sound like you are speaking English.

Offer help

Ask 'Je peux t'aider pour le barbecue ?' to be a good guest.

Charcoal

Look for 'charbon de bois' in the supermarket, not just 'charbon' (which can mean coal).

Fire starter

The word for fire starter is 'allume-feu'. It's essential for a charcoal barbecue.

Merguez

Try 'merguez' at a French BBQ; they are spicy and very popular, originally from North Africa.

Side dishes

Barbecues in France are often accompanied by 'chips' (crisps) and potato or pasta salads.

Use 'Barbeuc'

Using 'barbeuc' with friends makes you sound very natural and relaxed.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a **BAR** in a **BE**autiful **CUE** (queue) of people waiting for grilled meat. BAR-BE-CUE.

Visual Association

Picture a bright red Weber grill in a green French garden with a bottle of Rosé wine next to it. This links the tool to the social context.

Word Web

jardin été viande saucisse amis feu charbon fête

Challenge

Try to describe your dream barbecue menu in three French sentences using the word 'barbecue' at least twice.

Word Origin

Borrowed from the English 'barbecue', which originated from the Spanish 'barbacoa'. The Spanish term was a loanword from the Taino (an Arawak people of the Caribbean) word 'barbakoa', referring to a wooden framework used for smoking or roasting meat.

Original meaning: A wooden structure or framework used for cooking meat over a fire.

Arawakan (via Spanish and English).

Cultural Context

Be mindful of fire safety regulations in France, especially in the South (Midi) where forest fires are common and barbecues are often banned in summer.

In the US and Australia, BBQ is often a specific culinary style (smoking). In France, it's just the act of grilling outdoors.

The 2014 French movie 'Barbecue' starring Lambert Wilson. The song 'Le Barbecue' by various novelty artists. Summer commercials for brands like Weber or Ducros spices.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Family Gathering

Passe-moi le sel
C'est cuit ?
Encore une merguez ?
C'est délicieux

Hardware Store

Combien coûte ce barbecue ?
Est-ce qu'il est à gaz ?
La grille est incluse ?
Avez-vous du charbon ?

Campsite

Où est l'aire de barbecue ?
C'est autorisé ici ?
On peut emprunter une grille ?
Attention au vent

Supermarket

Où est le rayon barbecue ?
Il y a des promos sur la viande ?
Je cherche des allume-feu
Prends des piques à brochettes

Restaurant

Je voudrais la grillade mixte
Cuit au barbecue ?
Quelle est la sauce ?
Une assiette de viande

Conversation Starters

"Tu préfères le barbecue au charbon ou au gaz ?"

"Qu'est-ce que tu aimes mettre sur le barbecue d'habitude ?"

"Tu connais une bonne recette de marinade pour le barbecue ?"

"On fait un barbecue ce week-end s'il fait beau ?"

"Qui est le meilleur cuisinier au barbecue dans ta famille ?"

Journal Prompts

Décrivez votre meilleur souvenir de barbecue en famille ou entre amis.

Si vous deviez organiser le barbecue parfait, quel serait le menu ?

Expliquez pourquoi le barbecue est si populaire pendant les vacances d'été.

Préférez-vous cuisiner à l'intérieur ou faire un barbecue ? Pourquoi ?

Racontez une fois où un barbecue ne s'est pas passé comme prévu.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Il est masculin. On dit 'le barbecue' ou 'un barbecue'. C'est une erreur courante de penser qu'il est féminin à cause de la fin du mot, mais il suit le genre de l'anglais original.

On ne peut pas utiliser 'barbecue' comme un verbe. On utilise l'expression 'faire un barbecue' ou 'cuire au barbecue'. Par exemple : 'Nous allons faire un barbecue ce soir'.

Le barbecue utilise une grille où la graisse tombe sur les braises, créant une saveur fumée. La plancha est une plaque lisse et pleine qui saisit les aliments sans contact direct avec les flammes.

Les saucisses comme les merguez et les chipolatas sont les plus courantes. On trouve aussi des brochettes de poulet, des côtes de porc et parfois des entrecôtes.

Cela dépend du règlement de copropriété de l'immeuble. Souvent, seuls les barbecues électriques sont autorisés pour éviter la fumée et les risques d'incendie.

On prononce 'bar-be-ky'. Le 'u' est le son 'u' français (comme dans 'tu') et le 'e' final est muet. On ne dit pas 'kyoo' comme en anglais.

C'est l'abréviation familière de 'barbecue'. C'est très courant dans le langage parlé entre amis ou en famille.

C'est la personne qui s'occupe de la cuisson de la viande. C'est souvent un titre humoristique donné à l'hôte de la fête.

Oui, il est très utilisé, mais on utilise aussi beaucoup l'acronyme 'BBQ', parfois prononcé à l'anglaise.

Le pluriel est régulier : 'des barbecues'. On ajoute simplement un 's' à la fin.