Lost in Translation: How to Say “Turkey” in French

The French language can seem like an impenetrable fortress to English speakers trying to learn it. The rules of grammar are rigid and unforgiving, the pronunciation is famously challenging, and false cognates lurk around every corner. But don’t let the intimidation factor stop you from diving in. With some key phrases under your belt, you’ll be chatting comfortably with French speakers in no time. And one of the most essential words to know is “turkey”—because you never know when you might need to request the national bird at a French restaurant!

The Two French Words for “Turkey”

In French there are two different words that can mean “turkey”

• Dinde This refers specifically to the bird called a turkey in English It’s the word you would use when ordering turkey meat at a restaurant or buying a turkey to roast for Thanksgiving dinner.

• Dindon: While also translated as “turkey,” this word is more often used to describe an adult male turkey, similar to using “tom” in English. It’s not the go-to word when talking about eating turkey meat.

So if your goal is to get a tasty turkey dinner in France, dinde is the word you want.

Helpful Phrases with “Dinde”

Here are some key French phrases with dinde to aid your poultry pursuits:

• Je voudrais du jambon de dinde – I would like some turkey ham.

• Nous mangeons toujours de la dinde à Noël – We always eat turkey for Christmas.

• Est-ce que ce sandwich contient de la dinde? – Does this sandwich contain turkey?

• Cette dinde pèse cinq kilos – This turkey weighs five kilograms.

• La farce à la dinde est ma partie préférée – The turkey stuffing is my favorite part.

Pronouncing “Dinde”

Here’s a quick pronunciation guide to get dinde right:

• deen-duh

• The first “d” is soft like the “th” in “the.”

• The second “d” is hard like the first “d” in “dinner.”

• Say the word evenly, giving equal emphasis to both syllables.

Cognates and False Cognates

One tip for memorizing dinde as “turkey” is noticing that it resembles the similar word in Spanish: pavo. Cognates like this can help you quickly grasp related terms across languages.

But watch out for false cognates! For example, dindon shares a resemblance to the English “dinosaur.” However, while they look and sound alike, their meanings are completely unrelated.

Useful Turkey-Related Vocabulary

Here are some other handy French turkey terms:

• Dindonneau: young turkey or turkeyling

• Tête de dinde: turkey’s head

• Cuisse de dinde: turkey leg

• Rôti de dinde: roast turkey

• Farce à la dinde: turkey stuffing

• Sauce aux canneberges: cranberry sauce

Putting Your Turkey Vocabulary to Use

Being able to comfortably order and discuss turkey is a great milestone in your French learning. With the tasty vocab above in your repertoire, you’ll be ready to request your favorite poultry dishes with gusto. Look forward to that satisfying moment of comprehension when the French waiter understands exactly what you want thanks to your properly pronounced dinde. Bon appétit!