Doughnut in French: Beignet, Beigne, & Glacé Explained

Want to order a doughnut in France? There’s more than one way to ask! Let’s explore the French words for “doughnut” and how they’re used, so you can get your sugar fix en français.

Common Translations and Contextual Examples

Whether you spell it “donut” or “doughnut,” the most common translation in French is “beignet.” In some regions, you might also hear “beigne.”

Here are a couple of ways you might use “beignet” in a sentence:

  • “J’ai mangé un beignet au café.” (I ate a doughnut at the café.)
  • “Les enfants adorent les beignets au chocolat.” (The children love chocolate doughnuts.)

As with any translation, context is key. Knowing the situation will help you choose the most appropriate and natural-sounding way to express “doughnut” in French.

Describing Different Types of Doughnuts

So, you’re ready to order a doughnut in France. Félicitations! Here’s a little vocabulary to help you out:

  • Glazed doughnut: beignet glacé
  • Cake doughnut: beignet au gâteau (or something similar)
  • Chocolate doughnut: beignet au chocolat

The word beignet is a good place to start. It literally means “fritter,” but it’s your general all-purpose word for doughnut. To specify the fillings or toppings, you can add a prepositional phrase, as with beignet au chocolat.

Bon appétit!

In Conclusion

So, what’s the best French translation for “donut” or “doughnut?” While there are some variations, “beignet” is your go-to word. Knowing a few variations, like “beignet glacé” (glazed donut), will help you communicate more effectively. Now, go forth and explore the delicious world of French culinary vocabulary!