A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "I'm vegan" in French
Learn to say 'I'm vegan' in French to navigate restaurant menus and inform staff about your dietary choices.
Je suis végétalien.
zhuh swee vay-zhay-tah-LYANneutral
French TTS · 0:01
Use this phrase when ordering food at a restaurant, cafe, or market stall. It's also useful when discussing your diet with friends or hosts.
Alternatives
- Je suis végan.This is a slightly more modern and common alternative, especially among younger people.
- Je ne mange rien qui vient des animaux.Use this if you want to be very explicit and explain what vegan means to you.
Ways to get it wrong
Pronouncing the 'g'
The 'g' in 'végétalien' is soft, like the 'zh' in 'measure', not a hard 'g'.
Gender agreement
While 'végétalien' is masculine, if you are female, you would say 'végétalienne'. However, 'végan/végane' avoids this issue.
A small cultural note
While veganism is growing in France, it's still less common than in some other Western countries. Be prepared for some questions or for staff to be unfamiliar with the term.
The same phrase in other languages
Frequently asked
What's the difference between végétarien and végétalien?
Végétarien means vegetarian (no meat or fish, but may eat dairy and eggs). Végétalien means vegan (no animal products at all, including dairy, eggs, and honey).
How do I ask if a dish is vegan?
You can ask 'Est-ce que ce plat est végétalien ?' or 'Ce plat est-il végan ?' to inquire about specific menu items.
Will restaurants understand 'vegan'?
Many restaurants, especially in larger cities, will understand 'végan'. However, using 'végétalien' is the more formal and precise French term.
