brasserie
/bʁa.sʁi/feminine
The English phrase 'brasserie' is translated into French as brasserie.
A brasserie refers to a specific type of restaurant in France. These establishments are often open for both lunch and dinner and typically serve a consistent menu of traditional dishes throughout the day.
Meaning: type of restaurant (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word comes from the term for a brewery, reflecting the historical connection between beer production and the establishments that served it.
Which one should you use?
While restaurant is a general term, a brasserie specifically implies a more casual, bustling atmosphere with a focus on classic French dishes and beer.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word is a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/bʁa.sʁi/
Did you know?
- While brasserie refers to a dining establishment today, the verb it comes from, brasser, can also mean 'to shuffle' a deck of cards.
- In French, brasser is used metaphorically in the phrase brasser de l'air, which means to talk a lot without actually achieving anything.
- Unlike a typical restaurant, a brasserie traditionally uses a large zinc-topped bar, known as a zinc, as a central focal point of the room.
Examples in context
- Cette brasserie est très animée.This brasserie is very lively.
- On mange dans une petite brasserie.We are eating in a small brasserie.
- J'aime bien l'ambiance de cette brasserie.I really like the atmosphere of this brasserie.
Example conversation
Manon and Nathan are walking through Paris in the evening.
- ManonConnais-tu une bonne brasserie par ici ?Do you know a good brasserie around here?
- NathanOui, il y a une brasserie juste au coin.Yes, there is a brasserie just around the corner.
- ManonC'est parfait pour dîner ce soir.That is perfect for dinner tonight.
- NathanD'accord, allons-y alors !Okay, let's go then!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “brasserie” translations and entries brasserie, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
