A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "I'm vegetarian" in French
How to say 'I'm vegetarian' in French for restaurant staff and friends.
Je suis végétarien.
zhuh swee vay-zhay-tah-ree-ENneutral
French TTS · 0:01
Use this when ordering food at a restaurant or when someone offers you something to eat. It clearly states your dietary preference.
Alternatives
- Je ne mange pas de viande.More direct, literally 'I don't eat meat'.
- Je suis végétarienne.Use this if you are female.
Ways to get it wrong
Pronouncing the 'r'
The French 'r' is in the back of your throat, not a rolled 'r' like in Spanish.
Silent 'n' at the end
The 'en' at the end of 'végétarien' is a nasal sound, don't pronounce the 'n' separately.
A small cultural note
While vegetarianism is understood, many French people still associate it primarily with 'not eating red meat'. You might still be offered fish or chicken, so be prepared to clarify if needed.
The same phrase in other languages
Frequently asked
How to say I'm vegetarian in French for a menu?
Use 'Je suis végétarien' (or 'végétarienne' if female). This is the standard term you'll see on menus or tell a waiter.
What if I don't eat fish either?
You can say 'Je suis végétarien et je ne mange pas de poisson' (I am vegetarian and I don't eat fish). Or more simply, 'Je suis végétalien' for vegan, which implies no fish.
Is vegetarianism common in France?
It's becoming more common, especially in cities, but it's not as widespread as in some other countries. Be clear about your needs.
