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👉 See also: Laissez les bons temps rouler (Let the good times roll) »
Level A2 (Upper Beginner)
Published February 16, 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 Mardi Gras, meaning Fat Tuesday and referring to the famous celebration in New Orleans. In this lesson you’ll learn why it’s called “fat” Tuesday and how to pronounce Mardi Gras in French.
📘 Mardi Gras meaning in French
Mardi Gras means “Fat Tuesday” in French, with mardi meaning “Tuesday” and gras (adj.) meaning “fat” or “fatty.” The name comes from the tradition of eating rich foods before the fasting period of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday. It marks the final day of the Carnival season, celebrated with parades, costumes, and festivities — most famously in New Orleans, Louisiana. In English it is also called Shrove Tuesday, from the old verb to shrive, meaning to confess one’s sins before the start of Lent.
🎧 Mardi Gras pronunciation in French
The pronunciation of Mardi Gras is /maʁdi gʁa/ (IPA), which sounds roughly like “mar-dee grah”.
📝 Mardi Gras usage examples
Le Mardi Gras est une grande fête en Louisiane.
Mardi Gras is a big celebration in Louisiana.
Pour Mardi Gras, les gens font la fête dans les rues.
For Mardi Gras, people celebrate in the streets.
Les enfants se déguisent pour Mardi Gras.
Children dress up for Mardi Gras.
On mange beaucoup de choses grasses pour Mardi Gras.
People eat a lot of rich foods for Mardi Gras.
Le beignet (fritter, donut) is a popular food eaten in New Orleans on Mardi Gras.
👉 See also: le beignet pronunciation and usage examples »
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🔗 Related words and expressions
- Bon Mardi Gras ! — Happy Mardi Gras!
- Laissez les bons temps rouler ! — Let the good times roll!
- le carnaval — carnival
- le carême — lent
- le défilé — parade
- le masque — mask
- les perles — beads
- le beignet — fritter / donut
📚 Related lessons on FrenchLearner!
👉 le beignet (fritter donut) »
👉 French days of the week (with audio) »
