Ortie
(stinging nettle)
Stinging nettle is a common plant known for its sharp, stinging hairs. If you are trying to learn how to say “stinging nettle” in French or need related terms for cooking, herbal remedies, or gardening, this guide will help.
How to say stinging nettle in French
The French term for stinging nettle is ortie. If you want to be more specific, “stinging nettle” translates directly as ortie piquante or ortie urticante. However, in most contexts, ortie is enough to refer to the plant.
Pronunciation of ortie
The word ortie is pronounced approximately like “or-tee” in English. The “r” sound is soft and made in the back of the throat, as in most French words.
Contexts where you might see or hear ortie
In cooking
In French cuisine, stinging nettle is sometimes used in soups, quiches, or omelettes. A common term you might see in recipes is soupe d’orties which means nettle soup.
Other dishes may include:
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quiche aux orties
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purée d’orties
These terms refer to quiche or purée made with stinging nettle.
In herbal medicine
Stinging nettle is used in herbal remedies in France. Common uses include teas and tinctures made from the leaves. Look for terms like:
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infusion d’ortie
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tisane d’ortie
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poudre d’ortie
These refer to nettle tea, herbal infusion, and powdered nettle.
In gardening and farming
Gardeners and farmers in France may use stinging nettle for compost or plant feed. The term purin d’ortie refers to a fermented nettle liquid used as a natural fertilizer and pest repellent.
Plural form and variations
The plural of ortie is orties. In French texts, you may also find related terms like:
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feuilles d’ortie (nettle leaves)
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racines d’ortie (nettle roots)
These are commonly used in herbal and agricultural contexts.
Warnings and common phrases
Because stinging nettles can cause skin irritation, you might see warnings such as:
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attention aux orties (beware of nettles)
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les orties piquent (nettles sting)
These phrases are helpful if you are hiking or working outdoors in French-speaking areas.