Ever tried following a recipe in a foreign land, pointing desperately at a whisk because you didn’t know the exact word? Setting up a kitchen or cooking anywhere quickly shows you need specific terms. Learning French vocabulary for kitchen utensils in french can prove to be incredibly practical. Knowing kitchen terms is crucial for understanding recipes, shopping, and feeling comfortable in a French culinary environment. Let’s dive into it!
Dinnerware Words in French
Dinnerware, also known as crockery or tableware, refers to the dishes, bowls, cups, and glasses used for serving and eating a meal. It basically covers everything on the table except the cutlery (knives, forks, spoons) and linens! Learning these terms can be incredibly useful for French language learners.
It will not only allow you to understand instructions for setting a table, but also help you order specific items in a restaurant or cafe, follow recipes that mention specific plate or glass types, and confidently shop for kitchenware in French-speaking countries!
| French Dinnerware Term | English Translation |
|---|---|
| Une assiette | A plate |
| Une petite assiette | A small plate |
| Une grande assiette | A large plate |
| Une assiette à soupe | A soup plate |
| Une assiette creuse | A deep plate |
| Une assiette à fromage | A cheese plate |
| Une assiette à dessert | A dessert plate |
| Un verre | A glass |
| Un verre à eau | A water glass |
| Un verre à vin | A wine glass |
| Une tasse | A cup |
| Une tasse à café | A coffee cup |
| Une tasse à thé | A tea cup |
| Un bol | A bowl |
| Une soucoupe | A saucer |
Cutlery Words in French
“Cutlery” known as les couverts in French, refers to the handheld food utensils used for eating food, consisting of knives, forks, and spoons. Its importance varies between dining settings. While in casual settings, cutlery provides the basic functional tools necessary to eat conveniently and hygienically. In formal contexts, cutlery becomes a crucial element of table etiquette and ceremony.
Knowing which piece of cutlery to use for each dish is a key aspect of formal dining protocol, guiding the diner through the meal and contributing to the overall sophisticated experience. Diners must choose the correct piece of cutlery for each course, as certain cutlery items are required for specific dishes or formal settings.
| French Cutlery Term | English Translation |
|---|---|
| Un couteau | A knife |
| Un couteau à poisson | A fish knife |
| Un couteau à fromage | A cheese knife |
| Un couteau à pain | A bread knife |
| Une fourchette | A fork |
| Une fourchette à poisson | A fish fork |
| Une fourchette à dessert | A dessert fork |
| Une cuillère | A spoon |
| Une petite cuillère | A small spoon |
| Une grande cuillère | A large spoon |
| Une cuillère à café | A teaspoon |
| Une cuillère à dessert | A dessert spoon |
| Une cuillère à soupe | A soup spoon |
| Une pelle à tarte | A cake/ pie server |
Learn essential phrases from this guide on how to order food in French with ease.
Kitchen Utensils to Serve Food in French
Serving utensils are tools like large spoons, forks, ladles, or tongs used to transfer food from serving dishes onto individual plates. While in casual settings, they offer convenience and hygiene for sharing. In formal settings, specific serving utensils are crucial for proper table etiquette, elegant presentation, and ensuring each dish is served correctly!
| French Serving Utensil Term | English Translation |
|---|---|
| Un plat | A platter/ dish |
| Un saladier | A salad bowl |
| Une saucière | A gravy boat |
| Une cuillère de service | A serving spoon |
| Une pince de service | Serving tongs |
| Une cuillère à salade | A salad spoon |
| Un couteau de service | A carving knife |
| Un bol de service | A serving bowl |
| Un panier à pain | A bread basket |
| Un plat à légumes | A vegetable bowl |
| Un plateau | A serving tray |
| Un présentoir à gâteau | A cake stand |
| Un beurrier | A butter dish |
| Une carafe à eau | A water jug |
| Un sucrier | A sugar bowl |
| Une louche | A ladle |
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French Words for Cooking Utensils
These utensils support various kitchen services, from food preparation to serving dishes.
| French Cooking Utensil Term | English Translation |
|---|---|
| Une casserole | A saucepan |
| Une poêle à frier | A frying pan |
| Une poêle à crêpes | A crepe pan |
| Une plaque de cuisson | A baking tray |
| Un moule à gâteau | A cake pan |
| Un éplucheur | A peeler |
| Une passoire | A colander/ sieve |
| Un fouet | A whisk |
| Un rouleau à pâtisserie | A rolling pin |
| Une planche à découper | A cutting board |
| Une râpe | A grater |
| Une écumoire | A skimmer |
| Un ouvre-boîtes | A can opener |
| Un presse-ail | A garlic press |
| Un coupe-pizza | A pizza cutter |
If you’re visiting France, knowing how to order coffee in French can make your café experience smoother.
Table Settings in French
Setting the table in France is more than just a practical step, it’s a cherished tradition that brings elegance and order to every meal. The arrangement of utensils, plates, and glasses follows a thoughtful pattern designed to enhance both the look and function of the table. Typically, the plate (“assiette”) is placed at the center, with the fork (“fourchette”) on the left, the knife (“couteau”) on the right, and the spoon (“cuillère”) to the right of the knife. Above the plate, you’ll find the wine glass (“verre à vin”) and the water glass (“verre d’eau”), carefully positioned to be within easy reach.
Each course (“plat”) is served with the appropriate utensils, and using the correct tools, like a colander (“passoire”) to drain vegetables or pasta, or a serving spoon (“cuillère à servir”) to dish out food, ensures that every part of the meal is presented perfectly. Mastering these table settings not only helps you serve food with confidence but also deepens your appreciation for French dining customs.
By learning how to use and arrange French tableware and utensils, you can improve your hosting skills, impress your guests, and enjoy meals that feel authentically French. With a little practice, you’ll find that setting the table becomes a delightful ritual that adds to the pleasure of every meal served in your home.
Expand your vocabulary by exploring 70+ beverage words and phrases in French with this helpful guide on drinks in French.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What do you call a napkin in French?
Ans: A napkin is called “une serviette” in French.
2. How do you say “balling a melon” in French?
Ans: In French, the action of balling a melon is typically described using the verb phrase “faire des billes de melon”.
