French Conversation · Level 182
15 words
French word
pépin
Pronunciation
IPA/pepɛ̃/
Meaning
- masculine nounseed
Example
Il y a un pépin dans cette pomme.
There is a seed in this apple.
More examples
Les pépins du raisin sont petits.
The grape seeds are small.
Core concept
A little hard object hidden in fruit that can also represent a small snag in an otherwise smooth situation.
Common phrases
enlever les pépins
remove the seeds
un pépin de raisin
a grape seed
Similar words
problème: A difficult matter that requires attention or a solution.
incident: An unexpected event that may cause problems.
graine: A small plant seed that can sprout when planted in soil.
Definition in French
Graine dure présente dans des fruits (pomme, agrumes) ; familièrement, petit contretemps ou souci ponctuel.
Word origin
The noun developed in Old French as pepin, a diminutive form referring to a small seed, and its meaning later extended to a minor difficulty.
Usage tips
- For seeds, the plural pépins is common, while a problem is often expressed with the singular un pépin.
Other meanings
- problemnoun
Related words
- pépiniéristenursery growernoun
- pépinièreplant nurserynoun