A guide to saying it correctly
How to Pronounce Coq Au Vin
A classic French braised chicken dish, pronounced with a distinct 'KOK' sound and a French 'VAN'.
coq au vin
KOK oh VAN
/ˌkɔːk oʊ ˈvæn/ · KOK · oh · VAN
Native US English · Kokoro neural TTS · 0:01
It's also a popular dish for home cooks looking to prepare a classic French meal.
Where the word comes from
From French, literally meaning 'rooster in wine'. It refers to the traditional practice of braising an old, tough rooster in wine to tenderize it.
Common ways people get it wrong
- KOK oh VEEN The 'vin' part is often mispronounced like the English word 'veen'. Remember the French 'a' sound, like in 'father'.
- COCK oh VAN While 'coq' sounds like 'cock', it's best to use a clearer 'KOK' sound to distinguish it from the English word and honor the French origin.
Frequently asked
Is coq au vin difficult to make?
It requires some time due to the braising process, but the steps themselves are generally straightforward. Many recipes are available for home cooks.
What kind of wine is used in coq au vin?
Traditionally, a red Burgundy wine is used, which complements the richness of the chicken and other ingredients like mushrooms and bacon.
What does coq au vin mean in English?
It literally translates to 'rooster in wine' from French. It signifies a dish made by braising a tough old rooster in wine to make it tender.
How do the French pronounce coq au vin?
The French pronounce coq au vin as "kɔk o vɛ̃". The 'q' is pronounced like a 'k', and 'vin' is a nasal vowel sound.
How do you pronounce coq au vin?
You can pronounce coq au vin as "kok oh van" or "kuhk oh van". The 'q' sounds like 'k' and the 'vin' has a nasal vowel sound similar to 'an'.
How is coq pronounced?
The French word 'coq' is pronounced like 'kok'. It rhymes with words like 'rock' or 'sock'.
What does coq au vin literally mean?
Coq au vin literally translates to 'rooster with wine'. It refers to a classic French stew made with chicken braised in wine.
