French Conversation · Level 2
83 words
French word
sel
Pronunciation
IPA/sɛl/
Meaning
- masculine nounsalt
Example
Verse une pincée de sel sur la salade.
Sprinkle a pinch of salt over the salad.
More examples
Goûte la soupe avant d'ajouter du sel.
Taste the soup before adding salt.
Core concept
A small scatter of white crystals that sharpens the taste of food and helps keep it from spoiling.
Common phrases
du sel
salt
une pincée de sel
a pinch of salt
ajouter du sel
add salt
Similar words
poivre: Black or white grains or powder used to add heat and aroma to food.
vinaigre: A sour liquid seasoning used in dressings and food preservation.
sucre: White or brown crystals used to add sweetness to food and drinks.
assaisonnement: A method or blend of ingredients used to flavor food.
Definition in French
Substance cristalline blanche, composée principalement de chlorure de sodium, employée en petite quantité pour assaisonner et conserver les aliments.
Word origin
French sel comes from Latin sal, from the Indo-European root *sal- meaning salt, and is related to Spanish sal and Italian sale.
Usage tips
- Sel is masculine and usually a mass noun, so ordinary seasoning is du sel, while a measured amount uses une pincée de sel.