gagne-pain
The English phrase "bread and butter" is translated into French as gagne-pain.
In French, gagne-pain refers to a person's main source of income that provides for their basic needs. While the English expression "bread and butter" can occasionally describe something routine or easy, the French term specifically emphasizes that the income is necessary for survival. Note that Le pain beurré refers specifically to bread that has been spread with butter, rather than the metaphorical sense of income.
How does it change in a sentence?
In French, adjectives usually come after the nouns they modify.
Did you know?
- The word pain in gagne-pain is a cognate of the English word 'companion', which literally means 'with bread' com-pain.
- While gagne-pain describes a livelihood, the French use the expression gagner sa croûte to mean 'earning one's crust'.
- In French, you can use the verb 'gagner' to mean 'to earn' when talking about money, but it is also the word used to mean 'to win' a sports match or a game.
Examples in context
- Ce travail est mon gagne-pain.This job is my bread and butter.This sentence is useful for showing how to use gagne-pain to describe a job.Tatoeba #963548 by Quazel, translation #59168 by CM
- Tu préfères le pain beurré ou les tartines ?Do you prefer bread with butter or toast?
- On va prendre un café et du pain avec du beurre .Let's have a coffee and bread with butter.
- Elle mange du pain beurré .She is eating bread with butter.
- La menuiserie est son seul gagne-pain.Carpentry is his only bread and butter.
- Ce petit commerce est notre gagne-pain.This little shop is our bread and butter.
Example conversation
Chloé and Hugo are discussing their career changes in a cafe.
- ChloéTu vas vraiment quitter ton gagne-pain ?Are you really going to leave your bread and butter?
- HugoOui, j'ai besoin de plus de passion.Yes, I need more passion.
- ChloéC'est risqué pour un homme de ton âge.It is risky for a man your age.
- HugoJe sais, mais je dois essayer.I know, but I have to try.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
