Level A2 (Upper Beginner)
Published March 3, 2026 — Lesson written by French teacher David Issokson for students who want to learn French online, with native audio by Marie Assel Cambier, a voice artist from France.
The French Word of the Day is filet mignon. You may think you already know what it means — especially if you’ve ordered it at a restaurant. But in French, filet mignon does not mean exactly what it means in English. Let’s clear up the confusion.
📘 Filet mignon meaning in French
Filet mignon (m.) means “pork tenderloin” in French. It refers to a small, tender cut of pork that is often roasted or baked. You will commonly see filet mignon de porc (pork tenderloin) on French menus. However, in English, “filet mignon” usually refers to a tender cut of beef. In French, the beef version is called filet de bœuf. This difference makes filet mignon a classic culinary false friend between French and English.
🎧 Filet mignon pronunciation in French
The pronunciation of filet mignon is /fi.lɛ mi.ɲɔ̃/ (IPA), which sounds roughly like “fee-leh meen-yon” (with a soft “ny” sound in mignon and a nasal “on” at the end).
📝 Filet mignon usage examples
Je vais prendre le filet mignon de porc.
I’m going to have the pork tenderloin.
On va préparer un filet mignon au four avec des légumes.
We’re going to prepare a pork tenderloin in the oven with vegetables.
Le filet de bœuf est très tendre.
The filet mignon is very tender.
Ce restaurant propose un excellent filet de bœuf.
This restaurant offers an excellent filet mignon.
Steak doneness levels (saignant, à point, bien cuit) can be confusing for French learners.
👉 See also: How to Order Steak in French (doneness levels explained) »
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🔗 Related words and expressions
- le filet de bœuf — beef tenderloin
- le filet mignon de porc — pork tenderloin
- le rôti de porc — pork roast
- le steak — steak
- la viande — meat
- le bœuf — beef
- le porc — pork
- la cuisson — cooking / doneness
- le four — oven
📚 Related lessons on FrenchLearner!
👉 How to order a steak in French »
👉 French false cognates »
👉 French food vocabulary »
👉 Restaurant vocabulary and phrases »
