How to Say "Pumpkin" in French

The French Word for Pumpkin

The word for "pumpkin" in French is "citrouille." This is a noun that refers to the large, round, orange vegetable commonly associated with Halloween and Thanksgiving. The English word "pumpkin" is derived from the Greek word "pepon," which means "large melon." The French word "citrouille" is also related to the Latin word "citrullus," meaning "bitter apple."

Forms and Usage

The French word for pumpkin, "citrouille," is a feminine noun, which means it takes on the gender and agrees in number with the adjectives and articles that modify it. Here are some examples of usage: 1. Le gros fruit rouge est une citrouille. (The large red fruit is a pumpkin.) 2. J'aime manger la citrouille rôtie. (I like to eat roasted pumpkin.) 3. Nous avons acheté une citrouille pour Halloween. (We bought a pumpkin for Halloween.)

Notes on Usage

When using "citrouille" in a sentence, it is important to remember that it is a feminine noun. This means that you will need to use the feminine form of the definite article "the" (la) and feminine adjectives. For example: 1. La grande citrouille est sur la table. (The large pumpkin is on the table.) 2. J'ai acheté une petite citrouille. (I bought a small pumpkin.)

Word Origin

The French word "citrouille" comes from the Latin word "citrullus," which means "bitter apple." This is likely a reference to the bitter taste of the pumpkin's seeds. The word "citrouille" has been used in French since the 16th century and is still commonly used today.

Additional Variations

While "citrouille" is the most common word for pumpkin in French, there are some regional variations and synonyms. For example, in some parts of France, the word "potiron" is used to refer to a specific type of pumpkin, particularly the large, flat ones used for making soup. However, "citrouille" is the most widely recognized term for pumpkin in French. In conclusion, the French word for pumpkin is "citrouille." It is a feminine noun that agrees in gender and number with the adjectives and articles that modify it. By understanding the word's origin and usage, you can better incorporate it into your French vocabulary and conversations.