A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "Is this spicy" in French
Ask if a dish is spicy in French restaurants to manage your meal's heat level.
Est-ce que c'est épicé ?
es-kuh seh-tay ay-pee-SAYneutral
French TTS · 0:01
Point to a dish on the menu or ask the waiter about a specific ingredient. This is useful when ordering or when your food arrives and you're unsure about the spice.
Alternatives
- C'est épicé ?More casual, often used when the dish is already served.
- Est-ce que c'est piquant ?Piquant is a good synonym for spicy, especially for a sharp, biting heat.
Ways to get it wrong
Pronouncing 'est-ce que'
The 't' in 'est' is not silent here; it links to 'ce' for pronunciation: 'es-tuh'.
Silent 'e' in 'épicé'
The final 'e' in 'épicé' is pronounced, giving it the 'ay' sound.
Using 'chaud'
'Chaud' means hot in temperature, not spicy. Use 'épicé' or 'piquant' for spice.
A small cultural note
While some French dishes have a reputation for being bland, many regional cuisines, especially in the south, can be quite spicy. Don't hesitate to ask!
The same phrase in other languages
Frequently asked
How to say not spicy in French
You can say 'Ce n'est pas épicé' (It's not spicy) or 'Ce n'est pas piquant' (It's not sharp/spicy).
What's the difference between épicé and piquant
'Épicé' is a general term for spicy, while 'piquant' often implies a sharper, more biting heat.
Can I ask if something is very spicy
Yes, you can add 'beaucoup' or 'très' to ask if it's very spicy: 'Est-ce que c'est très épicé ?'
