French Phrase
Oui, ça donne du goût.
Meaning
Literally “Yes, that gives some flavour.” It is a short, enthusiastic way to confirm that a particular ingredient, technique or addition will improve the taste of a dish.
When to use
Use it when you agree that something (a spice, a cooking method, an extra step) will make food tastier, or more figuratively when you think an idea will add ‘flavour’ to a project or conversation.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Ouiçadonnedugoût
Oui
Simple affirmation meaning “yes”. It can stand alone or precede a clause.
ça
Demonstrative pronoun meaning “that/it”. In spoken French it often replaces “cela”.
donne
3rd‑person singular present of the verb *donner* (to give). Used here as an impersonal “it gives”.
du
Partitive article (de + le) meaning “some”. It is used before uncountable nouns like *goût*.
goût
Masculine noun meaning “taste” or “flavour”.
🗨In Conversation
Tu devrais mettre un peu de citron dans la sauce.
You should add a little lemon to the sauce.
Oui, ça donne du goût.
Yes, that adds flavour.
✕Common Mistakes
Oui, ça donne le goût.
The partitive article *du* is required because you’re talking about an indefinite amount of flavour, not a specific taste.
Oui, ça donne goût.
Missing the partitive article makes the sentence sound ungrammatical; *goût* needs *du* or *un* when used in this sense.
Oui, ça donne le goût.
Using *donner le goût* would imply giving a particular, known taste, which changes the meaning.
↔Alternatives
Oui, ça ajoute du goût.
Yes, that adds flavour.
Oui, ça rend le plat savoureux.
Yes, it makes the dish tasty.
Oui, ça relève le goût.
Yes, it lifts the flavour.
Cultural Tip
In French cuisine, the idea of *donner du goût* is central – chefs constantly talk about how herbs, spices, or a pinch of salt can “give flavour”. The expression is informal and works best in casual conversation or when tasting food with friends. In more formal writing you might prefer *conférer du goût* or *rehausser la saveur*.