At the A1 level, you should recognize 'croissant' as one of the most basic and essential French words. It is a masculine noun ('un croissant'). You will primarily use it in the context of food and ordering at a bakery. You should learn the simple phrase 'Un croissant, s'il vous plaît' (One croissant, please). At this stage, don't worry too much about the complex history; just focus on the pronunciation (the 't' is silent!) and the fact that it is a breakfast item. You might also learn it alongside other breakfast words like 'café' (coffee), 'jus d'orange' (orange juice), and 'baguette'. It is a 'must-know' word for any tourist or beginner student because it is part of the daily vocabulary in any French-speaking city. Practice saying it without the 't' to start building good pronunciation habits early on.
At the A2 level, you begin to use 'croissant' in more complete sentences. You can describe your breakfast habits using verbs like 'manger' (to eat) or 'prendre' (to take/have). For example: 'Le matin, je mange un croissant avec mon café.' You should also be aware of the plural form 'des croissants' and notice that the 's' is silent. You will start to learn about different types of croissants, such as the 'croissant au beurre' (butter croissant) and 'croissant aux amandes' (almond croissant). You can also use adjectives to describe them, like 'chaud' (warm) or 'délicieux' (delicious). You might encounter this word in simple dialogues about going to the bakery or planning a brunch with friends. Understanding the cultural context—that it's a morning food—is also part of the A2 level of cultural competence.
At the B1 level, you can discuss the quality and ingredients of a croissant. You might use words like 'pâte feuilletée' (puff pastry/laminated dough) or 'artisanal' to describe how they are made. You can participate in conversations about your preferences: 'Je trouve que les croissants de cette boulangerie sont trop gras.' You will also learn to use the word in the negative form, remembering the 'de' rule: 'Je n'ai pas acheté de croissants ce matin.' You might read short articles about the 'best croissant' competitions in France or the importance of the 'boulangerie' in French village life. Your vocabulary will expand to include related terms like 'viennoiserie' and you'll be able to compare a croissant with a 'pain au chocolat' or a 'brioche' using comparative structures like 'plus... que' or 'moins... que'.
At the B2 level, you can delve into the history and sociology of the croissant. You should be able to explain the difference between a 'croissant au beurre' and a 'croissant ordinaire' (made with margarine) and why this distinction matters to French consumers. You might discuss the 'industrialization' of bakeries and the importance of preserving traditional methods. You can use the word in more abstract contexts, such as describing the 'croissant de lune' (crescent moon) in a literary or descriptive text. You should be comfortable using the word in various tenses, including the conditional to make polite requests or the subjunctive to express opinions: 'Il est important que le croissant soit bien croustillant.' You will also understand the social implications of 'ramener des croissants' to the office as a gesture of camaraderie.
At the C1 level, you should have a nuanced understanding of 'croissant' both as a culinary item and as a linguistic root. You will recognize the adjective 'croissant' (growing/increasing) and its relationship to the verb 'croître'. You can analyze the etymology of the word, connecting it to the 'Kipferl' and the history of the Ottoman Empire's siege of Vienna. You might read complex culinary critiques that use specialized vocabulary like 'alvéolage' (the internal structure of the pastry) or 'tournage' (the folding process). You can participate in high-level debates about food heritage and the protection of the 'croissant' as a French cultural symbol. Your use of the word will be fluid, and you will understand subtle idiomatic expressions or metaphors involving the crescent shape.
At the C2 level, you possess a total mastery of the word and its various connotations. You can write sophisticated essays on the evolution of French 'viennoiserie' from the 19th century to the present. You understand the technical chemistry behind the lamination process and can discuss it with precision. You are aware of the word's use in diverse fields such as astronomy ('croissant de lune'), geography ('le Croissant fertile'), and mathematics. You can appreciate the word in classical French literature where it might be used metaphorically to describe a smile or a coastline. Your pronunciation is indistinguishable from a native speaker, capturing the perfect nasal 'an' and the slight uvular 'r'. You can navigate any social or professional situation involving the word, from a casual breakfast to a formal culinary conference.

croissant 30秒了解

  • A croissant is a masculine noun (un croissant) referring to a buttery, flaky crescent-shaped pastry that is a staple of French breakfast culture.
  • It is made using a lamination technique where dough and butter are folded multiple times to create many thin, airy, and crispy layers.
  • Culturally, it is often purchased daily from a local bakery (boulangerie) and is best eaten fresh while still warm and crunchy.
  • While associated with France, it has Austrian roots (the Kipferl) and now exists in various forms including butter, almond, and savory versions.
The word croissant is perhaps the most iconic term in the French culinary lexicon, representing far more than just a piece of bread. At its core, a croissant is a buttery, flaky, viennoiserie pastry named for its historical crescent shape. In France, the word is used specifically to describe a pastry made from a leavened yeast-based dough that is layered with butter, rolled and folded several times in a process called laminating, and then rolled into a sheet. This technique results in a layered, flaky texture, similar to a puff pastry. When people use this word in a French context, they are often referring to a morning ritual. It is the quintessential breakfast item, usually purchased fresh from a local boulangerie (bakery) rather than made at home, due to the labor-intensive process of folding the dough.
Viennoiserie
This category of baked goods, which includes the croissant, sits between bread and pastry. They are made from enriched doughs containing eggs, butter, milk, cream, and sugar.

Chaque matin, je vais à la boulangerie pour acheter un croissant chaud.

Beyond the breakfast table, the word carries weight in discussions of French identity and artisanal quality. You will hear French people distinguish between a croissant au beurre (made with high-quality butter and usually straight in shape) and a croissant ordinaire (often made with margarine and curved into a traditional crescent). In modern usage, the word has also expanded into the adjective 'croissant' (meaning growing or increasing), though in the context of food, it remains a noun.

Le croissant est le symbole du petit-déjeuner français par excellence.

Artisanal vs. Industriel
French consumers are very protective of the 'fait maison' (homemade) label. A true croissant should be made on-site, not defrosted from a factory batch.

Voulez-vous un croissant ou un pain au chocolat avec votre café ?

Elle a mangé un croissant aux amandes pour le goûter.

Feuilletage
This refers to the 'leafing' or layering of the dough. A perfect croissant should have visible, thin layers that shatter when you bite into them.

L'odeur du croissant qui sort du four est irrésistible.

In summary, the word 'croissant' is a gateway to understanding French social life, culinary standards, and the history of European baking. It is a word you will use almost daily if you live in or visit a Francophone country, especially during the morning hours when the air is filled with the scent of melting butter and toasted yeast.
Using the word croissant in a sentence requires an understanding of its gender and common accompanying verbs. As a masculine noun, it is always 'le croissant' or 'un croissant'. When ordering in a bakery, the most common structure is 'Je voudrais un croissant, s'il vous plaît.' This uses the conditional form of 'vouloir' (to want) to remain polite. You can also use the verb 'prendre' (to take/to have) when ordering at a café: 'Je vais prendre un croissant.'
Ordering
'Un croissant, s'il vous plaît' is the standard request. If you want more than one, it becomes 'Deux croissants' (the 's' is silent).

Est-ce qu'il reste des croissants au beurre ?

When describing the pastry, you might use adjectives like 'frais' (fresh), 'chaud' (warm), 'croustillant' (crunchy/crispy), or 'moelleux' (soft/tender). A sentence like 'Ce croissant est délicieusement croustillant' highlights the ideal texture. If you are discussing dietary habits, you might say 'Je ne mange pas de croissant tous les jours car c'est assez gras' (I don't eat a croissant every day because it is quite fatty).

Il a trempé son croissant dans son café au lait.

Dipping Etiquette
In France, it is very common to dip (tremper) your croissant into your coffee or hot chocolate, especially at home during breakfast.

Le boulanger prépare les croissants très tôt le matin.

Ma fille préfère les croissants aux amandes car ils sont plus sucrés.

Compound Nouns
'Croissant-sandwich' or 'croissant au jambon' are common terms for savory versions filled with ham and cheese.

Nous avons acheté un sachet de mini-croissants pour la réunion.

In more complex sentences, you might describe the process of making them: 'Pour faire un bon croissant, il faut beaucoup de patience et un beurre de qualité.' (To make a good croissant, you need a lot of patience and quality butter). Or, you might use it in a metaphorical sense to describe a shape: 'La baie a la forme d'un croissant' (The bay has the shape of a crescent). Whether you are ordering food, describing a meal, or discussing geometry, 'croissant' is a versatile and essential noun in your French vocabulary toolkit.
The most frequent place you will hear the word croissant is undoubtedly the boulangerie. From 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM, the word is spoken thousands of times across France. You'll hear customers saying, 'Un croissant et une baguette, s'il vous plaît,' and bakers replying, 'Et avec ceci ?' (And with this?). It's the pulse of the morning. In hotels, during the 'petit-déjeuner buffet', the staff will often ask if you would like 'des viennoiseries', and you will specify 'un croissant'.
The Office
In French office culture, it's common for a colleague to 'ramener des croissants' (bring croissants) to celebrate a birthday or a promotion. It's a key social bonding mechanism.

C'est mon anniversaire, j'ai apporté des croissants pour toute l'équipe !

In cafés, you'll hear people ordering a 'café-croissant' combo. This is the standard 'petit-déjeuner' for someone on the go. You might also hear it in culinary shows or documentaries where experts debate the 'meilleur croissant de Paris'. These competitions are taken very seriously, with judges looking at the 'alvéolage' (the hole structure inside) and the 'feuilletage'.

Le serveur nous a apporté une corbeille de croissants tout chauds.

Radio/News
You might hear 'le croissant fertile' (the Fertile Crescent) in historical or geographical contexts on educational programs.

Le prix du croissant a augmenté à cause du prix du beurre.

Avez-vous goûté le croissant fourré au chocolat de cette boulangerie ?

Children's Stories
The moon is often described as a 'croissant de lune' in nursery rhymes and bedtime stories.

Regarde le beau croissant de lune dans le ciel ce soir.

Finally, in supermarkets, you will see 'croissants' in the frozen aisle or the industrial bread section. While they use the same word, the culinary experience is vastly different, and people will often specify 'croissants industriels' to denote the lower quality. Whether in a high-end Parisian pâtisserie or a simple village bakery, the word 'croissant' is the soundtrack to the French morning.
For English speakers, the most common mistakes involving croissant are related to pronunciation, gender, and ordering etiquette. Pronunciation is the biggest hurdle: English speakers often pronounce the 't' at the end or use a hard 'r'. In French, the 't' is silent, and the 'r' is guttural. The 'oi' makes a 'wah' sound, and the 'an' is a nasal vowel. Saying 'croy-sant' instead of 'cr-wah-san' is a dead giveaway that you are a beginner.
Pronunciation
Mistake: /krɔɪ-sænt/ (English style). Correct: /kʁwa.sɑ̃/ (French style). Don't let the 't' touch your tongue!

Ne dites pas "un croissant" avec un 't' sonore.

Another common error is gender. Many learners accidentally say 'une croissant'. Remember, it is 'un croissant'. This is vital because using the wrong gender can make your sentence sound jarring to a native speaker. Furthermore, when ordering multiple croissants, remember that while you add an 's' in writing ('des croissants'), the pronunciation remains exactly the same as the singular.

J'ai fait l'erreur de dire "une croissant" au lieu de "un".

The 'Au Beurre' Trap
Mistake: Thinking a 'croissant' and a 'croissant au beurre' are the same. In many bakeries, 'un croissant' (the basic one) might use margarine to keep costs down.

Faites attention à ne pas confondre le croissant ordinaire et celui au beurre.

Il ne faut pas prononcer le 's' à la fin de croissants au pluriel.

Time of Day
Ordering a croissant at 8:00 PM might result in a dry pastry. Croissants are best in the morning; by evening, bakeries often run out or the quality has diminished.

On n'achète généralement pas de croissant le soir.

Lastly, avoid the mistake of thinking all crescent-shaped pastries are croissants. Some might be 'brioches' shaped like crescents, which have a completely different, cake-like texture. Always look for the 'feuilletage' to ensure it's a real croissant. By mastering these nuances, you'll not only sound more like a native speaker but also show a deeper respect for French culinary traditions.
While the croissant is king, the French bakery world offers several alternatives that fall under the 'viennoiserie' umbrella. The most famous sibling is the pain au chocolat (or chocolatine in the southwest). It uses the same laminated dough but is shaped into a rectangle with one or two bars of dark chocolate inside. If you find a croissant too plain, this is your best alternative.
Pain au chocolat
The chocolate version of the croissant. In Bordeaux and Toulouse, never call it a 'pain au chocolat'—it is a 'chocolatine'.

Je préfère le pain au chocolat au croissant nature.

Another common alternative is the pain aux raisins, which is a spiral-shaped pastry filled with pastry cream and raisins. For those who want something sweeter and more substantial, the croissant aux amandes (almond croissant) is a popular choice. It is typically a day-old croissant that has been split, filled with almond cream (frangipane), topped with flaked almonds, and rebaked.

Le croissant aux amandes est très riche et rassasiant.

La Brioche
Unlike the flaky croissant, brioche is a soft, bread-like pastry with a high egg and butter content. It is fluffy rather than crunchy.

Prenez une brioche si vous n'aimez pas les miettes du croissant.

Le chausson aux pommes est une autre alternative délicieuse au croissant.

Kipferl
The Austrian ancestor. It's usually denser and more bread-like than the French version we know today.

L'histoire du croissant commence avec le Kipferl autrichien.

Finally, for a savory twist, look for the 'croissant au jambon' (ham croissant), which is often topped with béchamel sauce and cheese. It’s a common lunch item. While the 'croissant nature' remains the standard, these variations allow you to explore the full range of French baking expertise. Whether you choose the chocolatey crunch of a pain au chocolat or the dense sweetness of an almond croissant, you are participating in a rich culinary tradition.

How Formal Is It?

趣味小知识

Legend says the croissant was invented in Vienna in 1683 to celebrate the defeat of the Ottoman Empire. Bakers, who were up early, heard the Turks tunneling and alerted the city. They made a pastry in the shape of the Ottoman crescent as a tribute.

发音指南

UK /ˈkwæsɒ̃/
US /krwɑːˈsɒ̃/
The stress in French is even, but in English, it often falls on the second syllable: crois-SANT.
押韵词
passant puissant glissant obéissant nourrissant divertissant ravissant intéressant
常见错误
  • Pronouncing the final 't' like 'croy-sant'.
  • Using a hard English 'r' instead of the French uvular 'r'.
  • Failing to make the 'an' sound nasal.
  • Pronouncing the 'oi' as 'oy' instead of 'wa'.
  • Adding an 's' sound at the end when it is plural.

难度评级

阅读 1/5

Very easy to recognize as it is an international word.

写作 2/5

The spelling 'oi' and 'ss' can be slightly tricky for beginners.

口语 3/5

The nasal sound and silent 't' require practice.

听力 2/5

Easy to hear, but don't confuse it with the adjective 'croissant'.

接下来学什么

前置知识

pain manger beurre petit-déjeuner boulangerie

接下来学习

pain au chocolat viennoiserie pâtisserie brioche baguette

高级

feuilletage fermentation alvéolage frangipane détrempe

需要掌握的语法

Masculine Nouns

Un croissant, le croissant.

Plural formation with 's'

Des croissants (the s is silent).

Partitive articles with food

Je mange du croissant (though 'un' is more common).

Negation with 'de'

Je ne veux pas de croissant.

Adjective agreement (if used as adjective)

Une lune croissante (feminine agreement).

按水平分级的例句

1

Un croissant, s'il vous plaît.

One croissant, please.

Uses 'un' (masculine article) and polite 's'il vous plaît'.

2

C'est un croissant.

It is a croissant.

Basic 'c'est' + noun structure.

3

J'aime le croissant.

I like the croissant.

Uses the definite article 'le' to express general likes.

4

Voici mon croissant.

Here is my croissant.

Uses possessive adjective 'mon'.

5

Le croissant est bon.

The croissant is good.

Simple subject-verb-adjective structure.

6

Un café et un croissant.

A coffee and a croissant.

Conjunction 'et' linking two masculine nouns.

7

Il mange un croissant.

He is eating a croissant.

Present tense of 'manger'.

8

Où est le croissant ?

Where is the croissant?

Interrogative 'où est'.

1

Je prends un croissant au beurre.

I'll have a butter croissant.

Uses 'prendre' in the sense of 'to order/have'.

2

Nous achetons des croissants le dimanche.

We buy croissants on Sundays.

Plural 'des croissants' and habitual present tense.

3

Le croissant est plus petit que la baguette.

The croissant is smaller than the baguette.

Comparative 'plus... que'.

4

Voulez-vous un croissant chaud ?

Do you want a warm croissant?

Inversion for a formal question.

5

Elle ne mange pas de croissant.

She doesn't eat croissants.

Negation 'ne... pas de' with a noun.

6

Il y a beaucoup de beurre dans un croissant.

There is a lot of butter in a croissant.

Expression of quantity 'beaucoup de'.

7

J'ai mangé deux croissants ce matin.

I ate two croissants this morning.

Passé composé with 'avoir'.

8

Le croissant est une spécialité française.

The croissant is a French specialty.

Noun as a subject with 'être'.

1

Je préfère les croissants artisanaux aux produits industriels.

I prefer artisanal croissants to industrial products.

Verb 'préférer' with 'à' for comparison.

2

Si j'avais le temps, je ferais des croissants moi-même.

If I had time, I would make croissants myself.

Si-clause with imperfect and conditional.

3

Ce boulanger fait les meilleurs croissants du quartier.

This baker makes the best croissants in the neighborhood.

Superlative 'les meilleurs'.

4

Bien qu'il soit gras, le croissant est délicieux.

Although it is fatty, the croissant is delicious.

Subjunctive after 'bien que'.

5

On m'a dit que le croissant venait d'Autriche.

I was told that the croissant came from Austria.

Passive-like 'on m'a dit' and indirect speech.

6

Il faut que vous goûtiez ce croissant aux amandes.

You must taste this almond croissant.

Subjunctive after 'il faut que'.

7

Le croissant est devenu un symbole mondial de la France.

The croissant has become a global symbol of France.

Passé composé of 'devenir' with 'être'.

8

J'aime tremper mon croissant dans mon chocolat chaud.

I like to dip my croissant in my hot chocolate.

Infinitive 'tremper' after 'aimer'.

1

La qualité du croissant dépend énormément du temps de repos de la pâte.

The quality of the croissant depends heavily on the resting time of the dough.

Verb 'dépendre de' followed by an adverb.

2

Le feuilletage du croissant doit être à la fois léger et croustillant.

The croissant's layering must be both light and crispy.

Noun 'feuilletage' and 'à la fois... et'.

3

Certains boulangers utilisent de la margarine pour réduire le prix du croissant.

Some bakers use margarine to reduce the price of the croissant.

Present tense with 'pour' + infinitive for purpose.

4

Le croissant au beurre se reconnaît à sa forme droite.

The butter croissant is recognized by its straight shape.

Pronominal verb 'se reconnaître'.

5

Il est rare de trouver un bon croissant après onze heures du matin.

It is rare to find a good croissant after eleven in the morning.

Impersonal 'il est rare de'.

6

La tradition de ramener des croissants au bureau est très ancrée en France.

The tradition of bringing croissants to the office is very deep-rooted in France.

Past participle 'ancrée' used as an adjective.

7

Sans un bon tournage, le croissant n'aurait pas ses couches caractéristiques.

Without good folding, the croissant wouldn't have its characteristic layers.

Conditional 'n'aurait pas' to express a hypothetical.

8

Le croissant ordinaire est souvent plus courbé que celui au beurre.

The ordinary croissant is often more curved than the butter one.

Demonstrative pronoun 'celui'.

1

L'excellence d'un croissant réside dans l'équilibre entre le craquant extérieur et le moelleux intérieur.

The excellence of a croissant lies in the balance between the outer crunch and the inner softness.

Abstract nouns 'le craquant' and 'le moelleux'.

2

L'engouement croissant pour les produits bio touche aussi la fabrication des croissants.

The growing craze for organic products also affects the making of croissants.

Uses 'croissant' as an adjective meaning 'growing'.

3

La forme du croissant évoquerait la victoire contre l'Empire ottoman à Vienne.

The shape of the croissant is said to evoke the victory against the Ottoman Empire in Vienna.

Conditional 'évoquerait' to express an unconfirmed theory.

4

Le croissant fertile est une région historique du Moyen-Orient.

The Fertile Crescent is a historical region of the Middle East.

Geographical proper noun usage.

5

On observe un croissant de lune particulièrement fin ce soir.

We can see a particularly thin crescent moon tonight.

Astronomical usage of the word.

6

La maîtrise du feuilletage est le nec plus ultra du savoir-faire boulanger.

Mastering the layering is the pinnacle of baking expertise.

Use of the Latin expression 'nec plus ultra'.

7

Le croissant, bien que simple en apparence, requiert une technicité hors pair.

The croissant, although simple in appearance, requires unparalleled technical skill.

Concessive clause 'bien que' and 'hors pair'.

8

La dégustation d'un croissant est une expérience sensorielle complète.

Tasting a croissant is a complete sensory experience.

Complex noun phrase as subject.

1

L'alvéolage d'un croissant, témoin d'une fermentation maîtrisée, est le graal de tout artisan.

The hole structure of a croissant, witness to controlled fermentation, is the holy grail for any artisan.

Apposition 'témoin d'une fermentation maîtrisée'.

2

Il s'agit de préserver l'intégrité du croissant face à la standardisation agroalimentaire.

It is about preserving the integrity of the croissant against food industry standardization.

Impersonal 'il s'agit de' and sophisticated vocabulary.

3

La sémantique du mot 'croissant' a évolué du simple participe présent vers un emblème national.

The semantics of the word 'croissant' has evolved from a simple present participle toward a national emblem.

Academic linguistic analysis.

4

L'arôme du beurre noisette qui s'en dégage est une véritable prouesse olfactive.

The aroma of hazelnut butter emanating from it is a true olfactory feat.

Relative clause 'qui s'en dégage'.

5

Le croissant s'inscrit dans une géographie gourmande qui dépasse les frontières hexagonales.

The croissant is part of a gourmet geography that goes beyond the borders of France.

Pronominal verb 's'inscrire dans'.

6

La texture doit présenter une dualité antinomique : la résistance du craquant et la fugacité du fondant.

The texture must present a contradictory duality: the resistance of the crunch and the fleetingness of the melt.

Use of advanced literary terms like 'antinomique' and 'fugacité'.

7

Tout concours du 'Meilleur Croissant' soulève des passions quasi religieuses chez les puristes.

Every 'Best Croissant' competition raises almost religious passions among purists.

Adverb 'quasi' modifying an adjective.

8

Le croissant est le prisme à travers lequel on peut observer l'évolution du goût français.

The croissant is the prism through which one can observe the evolution of French taste.

Metaphorical use of 'prisme' and relative pronoun 'lequel'.

常见搭配

croissant au beurre
croissant aux amandes
croissant de lune
manger un croissant
croissant chaud
croissant croustillant
acheter des croissants
croissant pur beurre
croissant industriel
croissant fait maison

常用短语

Un croissant, s'il vous plaît.

— The standard way to order one croissant in a bakery. It is simple and polite.

Bonjour ! Un croissant, s'il vous plaît.

Ramener les croissants.

— To bring croissants to work or a gathering. It's a common social gesture.

C'est à ton tour de ramener les croissants demain !

Petit-déjeuner au croissant.

— A breakfast where croissants are the main item. Often implies a special or leisurely meal.

On a fait un petit-déjeuner au croissant pour son anniversaire.

Le croissant du matin.

— Refers to the daily habit of having a croissant early in the day. It sounds nostalgic.

Le croissant du matin est mon moment préféré de la journée.

Des miettes de croissant.

— The flaky bits that fall off when you eat it. They are notorious for being everywhere.

Fais attention, tu as des miettes de croissant sur ton pull.

Tremper son croissant.

— The act of dipping the pastry into a hot drink. A very French habit.

Il adore tremper son croissant dans son café noir.

Corbeille de croissants.

— A basket filled with croissants, often seen at hotel buffets or brunches.

Le serveur a posé une corbeille de croissants sur la table.

Odeur de croissant.

— The distinctive smell of baking butter and dough. Very evocative of French streets.

L'odeur de croissant flottait dans toute la rue.

Croissant de la veille.

— A day-old croissant. Often used to make almond croissants or French toast.

On peut faire un pudding avec les croissants de la veille.

La forme d'un croissant.

— Describing something that is curved like the pastry. Used in geography or design.

Le lac a la forme d'un croissant parfait.

容易混淆的词

croissant vs croissance

Croissance is the noun for 'growth', while croissant is the pastry or the adjective 'growing'.

croissant vs brioche

A brioche is soft and bread-like; a croissant is flaky and laminated.

croissant vs pain au chocolat

Often ordered together, but one has chocolate and the other is usually plain.

习语与表达

"S'en aller en croissant de lune"

— To disappear or fade away slowly, like a waning moon. This is quite literary.

Leurs espoirs s'en sont allés en croissant de lune.

literary
"Avoir un sourire en croissant de lune"

— To have a very wide, curved smile. It sounds poetic and cheerful.

Elle nous a accueillis avec un sourire en croissant de lune.

neutral
"Le Croissant fertile"

— A historical region in the Middle East. It's a fixed historical term.

L'agriculture est née dans le Croissant fertile.

academic
"Croissant de lune"

— The crescent moon. Used in astronomy and general description.

Le drapeau de la Turquie comporte un croissant de lune.

neutral
"Être en phase croissante"

— To be in a growing or developing phase. Uses the adjective form.

L'entreprise est actuellement en phase croissante.

formal
"Lune croissante"

— Waxing moon. The opposite of 'lune décroissante'.

On plante les légumes pendant la lune croissante.

neutral
"Intérêt croissant"

— Growing interest. A common collocation in news and business.

Il y a un intérêt croissant pour les voitures électriques.

formal
"Ordre croissant"

— Ascending order (from smallest to largest). Used in math and lists.

Rangez ces chiffres par ordre croissant.

neutral
"De manière croissante"

— In an increasing manner. An adverbial phrase.

La température augmente de manière croissante.

formal
"Le croissant de la victoire"

— A reference to the legend of the croissant's origin in Vienna. Rare but historical.

Le boulanger a créé le croissant de la victoire après le siège.

historical

容易混淆

croissant vs Croissant (Adjective)

It looks identical to the noun.

The noun is a pastry; the adjective means 'growing' or 'waxing'.

Un intérêt croissant (A growing interest).

croissant vs Croissante (Adjective)

It is the feminine form of the adjective.

It is used with feminine nouns, whereas the pastry is always masculine.

Une lune croissante.

croissant vs Croisé

Similar root and sound.

Croisé means 'crossed' or 'crusader'.

Il a les bras croisés.

croissant vs Crescent

The English translation.

In French, you don't use 'crescent' for the pastry; you use 'croissant'.

The moon is a crescent.

croissant vs Croître

The verb form.

Croître is the action of growing; croissant is the state of being growing or the pastry.

Les plantes croissent vite.

句型

A1

Je voudrais [article] [noun].

Je voudrais un croissant.

A2

Est-ce qu'il y a [article] [noun] ?

Est-ce qu'il y a des croissants ?

B1

Je préfère [noun] à [noun].

Je préfère le croissant au pain.

B2

C'est un [noun] qui est [adjective].

C'est un croissant qui est très gras.

C1

Malgré [noun], [sentence].

Malgré son prix, le croissant est populaire.

C2

Sous l'apparence de [noun], [sentence].

Sous l'apparence d'un simple croissant, se cache un art complexe.

General

[Noun] au [ingredient].

Croissant au beurre.

General

[Noun] aux [ingredient plural].

Croissant aux amandes.

词族

名词

croissance (growth)
accroissement (increase)

动词

croître (to grow)
accroître (to increase)

形容词

croissant (growing)
accru (increased)

相关

viennoiserie
boulangerie
beurre
feuilletage
pâte

如何使用

frequency

Extremely high in daily life, especially in the morning.

常见错误
  • Une croissant Un croissant

    Croissant is a masculine noun. Using the feminine article 'une' is a common error for beginners.

  • Pronouncing the final 't' krwa-sahn (nasal)

    In French, the final 't' in croissant is silent. Pronouncing it makes you sound like an English speaker.

  • Asking for butter and jam in a bakery Eating it plain

    In a French bakery, croissants are served as they are. They already contain plenty of butter. Save the toppings for home.

  • Using 'croissant' for 'growth' La croissance

    While 'croissant' can mean 'growing' (adjective), the noun for 'growth' is 'la croissance'.

  • Thinking 'croissant' and 'brioche' are the same Recognizing the difference

    A croissant is flaky and laminated; a brioche is a soft, egg-rich bread. They have very different textures.

小贴士

The Silent T

Never pronounce the 't' at the end of croissant. It should end with a soft, nasal vowel sound. Practice by saying 'en' as in 'enfant' and then putting 'croiss-' before it.

Order 'Au Beurre'

When at a French bakery, if you see two types of croissants, always choose the 'croissant au beurre'. It is made with real butter and is significantly tastier than the 'ordinaire' version.

The Dip

Don't be afraid to dip your croissant in your coffee at breakfast. It's a common and accepted practice in France, especially in a casual or home setting. It softens the pastry and blends the flavors.

Morning is Best

Try to buy your croissants before 10:00 AM. Bakeries bake them early in the morning, and they are at their absolute best when fresh. By the afternoon, they can lose their crunch.

Masculine Gender

Always remember 'croissant' is masculine. Say 'un croissant' or 'le croissant'. Using the correct gender will help you sound much more natural when ordering.

Viennoiserie Category

Learn the word 'viennoiserie'. It’s the category name for croissants, pains au chocolat, and brioches. It’s a useful word to know for hotel breakfasts or bakery signs.

The Crumbs

A good croissant should be messy! If it doesn't leave a lot of crumbs (miettes) when you bite it, it's likely not fresh or wasn't made with enough layers.

Regional Names

While 'croissant' is the same everywhere, remember its cousin the 'pain au chocolat' might be called a 'chocolatine' in the South. This is a great conversation starter with locals!

Moon Shape

Use 'croissant' to describe anything crescent-shaped. It’s a very useful descriptive word beyond the bakery. 'Le croissant de lune' is the most common example.

Office Etiquette

If it's your birthday or you have good news at work in France, 'ramener les croissants' is the best way to win over your colleagues. It’s a small gesture that goes a long way.

记住它

记忆技巧

Imagine a 'Crescent' moon that is so tasty you want to 'Croissant' (Cross on) over the street to the bakery to get it.

视觉联想

Picture a golden, buttery moon sitting on a breakfast plate next to a steaming cup of coffee.

Word Web

Beurre Boulangerie Petit-déjeuner Croustillant Viennoiserie Farine Levure Pâte feuilletée

挑战

Go to a French bakery and order 'un croissant au beurre' without hesitating on the gender or the nasal sound.

词源

The word comes from the French verb 'croître' (to grow), ultimately from the Latin 'crescere'. It refers to the waxing phase of the moon. The pastry was named for its crescent shape.

原始含义: A crescent moon or the act of growing.

Romance (Latin root).

文化背景

None, it is a universally loved pastry. However, be mindful that 'croissant' as a religious symbol (the crescent) is sensitive in other contexts.

In English-speaking countries, croissants are often used for sandwiches (like ham and cheese), which is less common but still exists in France as a lunch item.

Breakfast at Tiffany's (Audrey Hepburn eating a croissant in front of the window). The 'Croissant' emoji on smartphones. The song 'Le petit pain au chocolat' by Joe Dassin.

在生活中练习

真实语境

At the Bakery

  • Un croissant au beurre, s'il vous plaît.
  • Est-ce qu'ils sont encore chauds ?
  • J'en prendrai deux, merci.
  • C'est combien pour un croissant ?

At the Office

  • Qui a apporté les croissants ?
  • Il reste un croissant pour moi ?
  • Merci pour les croissants !
  • On fait une pause croissant ?

At Breakfast

  • Tu veux un croissant ou une tartine ?
  • Je trempe mon croissant dans mon café.
  • Passe-moi le croissant, s'il te plaît.
  • Ce croissant est vraiment délicieux.

Cooking/Baking

  • Il faut plier la pâte pour le croissant.
  • N'oublie pas de dorer les croissants.
  • La pâte à croissant doit reposer.
  • Le beurre est l'ingrédient clé.

Astronomy

  • La lune est en croissant.
  • Le croissant de lune est magnifique.
  • On voit à peine le croissant ce soir.
  • C'est le premier croissant de lune.

对话开场白

"Quel est votre type de croissant préféré : nature, au beurre ou aux amandes ?"

"Connaissez-vous une bonne boulangerie qui fait des croissants artisanaux dans le quartier ?"

"Pensez-vous qu'il soit acceptable de manger un croissant tous les matins ?"

"Avez-vous déjà essayé de faire des croissants vous-même à la maison ?"

"Préférez-vous le croissant ou le pain au chocolat pour le petit-déjeuner ?"

日记主题

Décrivez votre petit-déjeuner idéal. Quel rôle le croissant y joue-t-il ?

Racontez votre première expérience dans une vraie boulangerie française.

Pourquoi le croissant est-il devenu un symbole si important de la culture française selon vous ?

Imaginez que vous êtes un boulanger. Décrivez l'odeur et la texture de vos croissants parfaits.

Comparez le croissant de votre pays avec le croissant que l'on trouve en France.

常见问题

10 个问题

While the croissant is the ultimate symbol of French baking, its origins are actually Austrian. It evolved from the 'Kipferl', which was brought to Paris in the 1830s. The French perfected the recipe by using laminated puff pastry dough, making it the flaky delight we know today. So, while the idea came from Vienna, the 'croissant' as we know it is distinctly French. You will often hear people refer to this category of pastries as 'viennoiseries' in honor of their Vienna roots.

In a traditional French bakery, the shape tells you about the ingredients. A straight croissant is typically a 'croissant au beurre', made with pure butter. A curved croissant is often a 'croissant ordinaire', which may be made with margarine or a mix of fats. This tradition helps customers quickly identify the higher-quality, more expensive butter version. However, this rule is not followed by every single bakery, so it's always good to check the labels.

The key is to remember that the 't' at the end is silent. The 'oi' makes a 'wa' sound, similar to 'water'. The 'an' is a nasal vowel, which means the air should come out of your nose and mouth at the same time, and your tongue should not touch the roof of your mouth. It sounds roughly like 'krwa-sahn'. Avoid saying 'croy-sant' with a hard 't' sound, as that is the most common mistake for English speakers.

Yes, but it's usually a different kind. While plain croissants are for breakfast, savory versions like 'croissant au jambon' (with ham and cheese) are very popular for a quick lunch. These are often topped with béchamel sauce and toasted. However, eating a plain breakfast croissant at lunch is less common in France than it is in other countries. Most French people stick to the morning hours for their sweet viennoiseries.

Croissants are delicious but quite high in calories and saturated fat due to the large amount of butter required for the flaky layers. They are generally considered a treat rather than a health food. However, in the context of a balanced French diet, they are enjoyed in moderation. Most people don't eat them every single day, but rather as a weekend treat or a special morning indulgence. The quality of the butter also matters for the nutritional profile.

A 'croissant aux amandes' is a double-baked pastry. It was traditionally created by bakers to use up day-old croissants. The croissant is sliced open, filled with almond cream (frangipane), topped with more cream and flaked almonds, and then baked again. The result is a much denser, sweeter, and more filling pastry than a regular croissant. It is a favorite for those who find the plain version too light or not sweet enough.

Croissants are best eaten within a few hours of being baked. If you must store them, keep them in a paper bag at room temperature. Avoid plastic bags, as they will make the pastry soft and soggy. You can revive a day-old croissant by putting it in a hot oven for 2-3 minutes to restore its crunch. Never put a croissant in the microwave, as it will become rubbery and lose its characteristic flaky texture.

Generally, no. A good croissant is already made with about 25% to 30% butter by weight. Adding more butter is seen as redundant and can overpower the delicate flavor of the pastry. However, some people might put a little bit of jam (confiture) on it, or more commonly, they will simply dip the plain croissant into their coffee or hot chocolate. Dipping is the most traditional way to 'flavor' a croissant at home.

In French, 'croissant' is also the present participle of the verb 'croître' (to grow). Therefore, it can be an adjective meaning 'growing', 'waxing', or 'increasing'. For example, 'un intérêt croissant' means 'a growing interest'. It is also the word for a 'crescent', used in astronomy for the moon ('un croissant de lune') or in geography ('le Croissant fertile'). It's important to use the context of the sentence to know which meaning is intended.

Both are made from the same laminated 'pâte feuilletée levée' (leavened puff pastry dough). The difference lies in the shape and the filling. A croissant is rolled into a crescent or straight log shape and is usually plain. A pain au chocolat is folded into a rectangular shape and contains one or two bars of dark chocolate. In terms of popularity, they are rivals for the top spot at the French breakfast table. Some people are strictly 'team croissant' while others prefer the chocolatey version.

自我测试 200 个问题

writing

Write a sentence ordering two croissants and a coffee.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

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writing

Describe the texture of a perfect croissant in French.

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writing

Explain why you prefer croissants to bread.

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writing

Write a short note to your colleagues saying you brought croissants.

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正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Discuss the difference between artisanal and industrial croissants.

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正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Describe a crescent moon in the night sky.

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writing

Write a recipe step for making croissant dough.

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writing

Compare the croissant and the pain au chocolat.

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writing

Explain the significance of the croissant in French culture.

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writing

Write a formal request for a bakery to cater a breakfast event.

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writing

Describe the smell of a bakery in the morning.

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正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Create a marketing slogan for a new bakery.

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writing

Write a complaint about a dry croissant you bought.

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writing

Describe your favorite breakfast routine.

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writing

Explain the 'croissant au beurre' vs 'ordinaire' distinction.

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writing

Write a dialogue between a customer and a baker.

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writing

Describe the process of 'tremper son croissant'.

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writing

Write about a memory involving a croissant.

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writing

Explain the etymology of the word 'croissant'.

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writing

Write a short poem about a croissant.

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speaking

Pronounce 'un croissant' focusing on the nasal sound.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Order a croissant and a pain au chocolat at a bakery.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Ask if the croissants are made with butter.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Explain to a friend why you like croissants.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Describe your morning routine including a bakery visit.

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speaking

Tell a colleague you brought pastries for the office.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Discuss the merits of artisanal vs industrial baking.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Describe the shape of the moon tonight.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Ask for a bag of mini-croissants.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'I don't eat croissants every day because it's fatty'.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Invite someone for a 'café-croissant'.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Explain what a 'croissant aux amandes' is.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'The smell of croissants is irresistible'.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Ask if there are any croissants left.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Describe a croissant using three adjectives.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Discuss the 'pain au chocolat' vs 'chocolatine' debate.

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speaking

Say 'I love dipping my croissant in hot chocolate'.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Describe a croissant-sandwich.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Express your opinion on the price of croissants.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Compliment a baker on their croissants.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Listen to the sentence: 'Je voudrais trois croissants au beurre.' How many croissants are requested?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Listen: 'Il ne reste plus de croissants, désolé.' Are there any croissants left?

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正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Listen: 'Le croissant aux amandes est à deux euros.' How much does it cost?

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正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Listen: 'Attention aux miettes sur le tapis !' Where should you not drop crumbs?

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listening

Listen: 'Je préfère les croissants bien dorés.' How does the speaker like their croissants?

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listening

Listen: 'On va ramener des croissants pour le bureau.' Where are the croissants going?

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listening

Listen: 'Le feuilletage est la clé d'un bon croissant.' What is the key to a good croissant?

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正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Listen: 'Voulez-vous un sachet pour vos croissants ?' What is being offered?

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正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Listen: 'Le croissant de lune est très fin ce soir.' Is the moon full?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Listen: 'C'est un croissant artisanal fait maison.' Is it industrial?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
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listening

Listen: 'Je prendrai un café et un croissant nature.' What kind of croissant is ordered?

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正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Listen: 'Le croissant est trop gras pour moi.' Why does the speaker not like it?

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正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Listen: 'Les croissants sortent du four à l'instant.' Are the croissants fresh?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
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listening

Listen: 'Il y a une promo : trois croissants achetés, un offert.' How many croissants do you get in total if you buy three?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Listen: 'Le croissant est un symbole de la France.' What is it a symbol of?

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/ 200 correct

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