Raisin vs. raisin sec
The French words 'raisin' and 'raisin sec' can lead to confusion due to the false friend 'raisin', which refers to a grape in French, whereas in English, it is known as a dried grape. Understanding the difference is important for correct usage in both culinary contexts and everyday language.
Raisin
In French, 'raisin' refers to the fresh fruit grown on vines commonly enjoyed as a sweet snack or used in wine production.
J'aime manger des raisins verts en été.
(I like eating green grapes in summer.)
Les vignobles produisent différentes variétés de raisin.
(The vineyards produce different varieties of grapes.)
Raisin sec
'Raisin sec' translates literally to 'dry grape', and it is the term for what English speakers call a raisin; these are grapes that have been dried to increase their shelf life and concentrate their sweetness.
Je mets des raisins secs dans mon porridge le matin.
(I put raisins in my porridge in the morning.)
Les raisins secs sont souvent utilisés dans les recettes de gâteaux et de pain.
(Raisins are often used in cake and bread recipes.)
Summary
In summary, the word 'raisin' in French means a fresh grape, while 'raisin sec' refers specifically to a dried grape or what English speakers simply call a raisin. Knowing this difference helps avoid confusion when discussing foods or recipes that involve these ingredients, especially across different languages.