Arachide vs. cacahuète vs. cacahouète
In French, 'arachide', 'cacahuète', and 'cacahouète' all refer to the edible seed known in English as the 'peanut'. While they convey the same object, these terms may vary in their regional usage and etymology.
Arachide
A scientific and formal term for peanut, often used in nutritional and botanical contexts.
L'huile d'arachide est souvent utilisée pour la friture.
(Peanut oil is commonly used for frying.)
Les arachides sont riches en protéines.
(Peanuts are rich in protein.)
Cacahuète
A common term for peanut, widely used in everyday language across numerous French-speaking regions.
J'ai acheté un paquet de cacahuètes à grignoter.
(I bought a packet of peanuts to snack on.)
Les enfants adorent le beurre de cacahuète.
(Kids love peanut butter.)
Cacahouète
An alternative spelling of 'cacahuète', it is less frequently used but still understood in the context of referring to peanuts.
Peux-tu me passer le sac de cacahouètes ?
(Can you pass me the bag of peanuts?)
Les cacahouètes sont souvent servies dans les bars comme amuse-gueules.
(Peanuts are often served in bars as appetizers.)
Summary
While 'arachide' carries a more formal connotation appropriate for scientific and nutritional discussions, 'cacahuète' is the everyday term commonly used by French speakers. 'Cacahouète' represents a less common spelling variation that retains the same meaning. Despite these differences, all three words can be interchangeably used to describe the legume that is a popular snack food around the world.