Feb 25 2008
Organique or Biologique?
I’ve recently been wondering about the difference between ‘organique’ & ‘biologique’, since they both translate as ‘organic’ in English. What’s confused me is that I’ve always used the word ‘biologique’ when describing organic food, e.g légumes biologiques. However, I was given some organic chocs for Christmas, and as you can see in the image, they’re described as ‘organique’.
So, do the French also use the word ‘organique’ when describing organic produce? Does ‘biologique’ sound so bad in English that nobody would buy products labelled this way (it does remind me of biological washing powder, so doesn’t sound terribly appetising!), or has it just been wrongly labelled?
I think what’s confused me (and please tell me if I’m wrong) is that the French have 2 words for ‘organic’ where as we only have one. ‘Biologique’ being used to describe organic produce, but ‘organique’ being used as a scientific term or to describe architecture, design etc. If anyone can shed light on this, I’d be happy to hear your thoughts!
I think I am right in saying that if you mean “organic” meaning produced without the aid of chemicals you would always use the word “biologique” (or “bio” for short).
As you rightly say, the French word “organique” would be used in scientific expressions like organic chemistry (as opposed to inorganic).
The label on your chocolates - Petit Organique - is a brand name from Belgium, and may have been designed to appeal to native English-speaking chcocoholics!
Imagine a French person’s confusion when they find out that Persil is a detergent and not a giant tub of dried parsley!
Hi Lorna
Thanks for your insight and for the clarification. I assumed that the term ‘biologique’ wouldn’t really appeal to us in the UK, especially when it comes to chocolate! Language variations are always interesting!