brunch
/bʁœnʃ/masculine
The English phrase 'brunch' can be translated into French as brunch. Wiktionary also lists déjeuner-diner and déjeunette.
Meaning: a meal (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| brunch | /bʁœnʃ/ /bʁɔnʃ/ |
masculine |
| déjeuner-diner | Quebec, masculine | |
| déjeunette | /de.ʒœ.nɛt/ | masculine, uncommon |
| déjeuner dinatoire | masculine, rare | |
| grand petit-déjeuner | masculine, rare | |
| petit déjeuner-déjeuner | masculine, rare |
Which one should you use?
While brunch is a loanword from English, other more descriptive forms exist such as déjeuner-diner, déjeunette, déjeuner dinatoire, grand petit-déjeuner and petit déjeuner-déjeuner.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The English loanword brunch is the most common way to refer to this meal in modern, casual French. It is also frequently used in informal settings or among younger generations.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, the term déjeuner-diner is used to describe a meal that combines breakfast and lunch.
How does it change in a sentence?
All forms provided are masculine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/bʁœnʃ/
Did you know?
- A déjeuner dinatoire is not a breakfast-lunch hybrid, but a late afternoon or evening meal that is more substantial than a snack but lighter than a formal dinner.
- The word déjeuner literally means 'to break the fast', coming from jeûner, which means 'to fast'.
- The phrase grand petit-déjeuner creates a paradox by combining the words for 'big' and 'small' to describe a lavish breakfast.
Examples in context
- À quelle heure est le brunch ?At what time is brunch?This sentence is useful for asking about the time of the meal using brunch.Tatoeba #4827453 by mkacfr, translation #4816786 by LB
- Le brunch remplace le petit-déjeuner et le déjeuner.Brunch replaces breakfast and lunch.Tatoeba #8115231 by Rovo, translation #8114795 by Dejo
- Brunch est un mot-valise combinant « BR-eakfast » et « l-UNCH ».Brunch is a combination of breakfast and lunch.This sentence explains that brunch is a portmanteau combining the words 'breakfast' and 'lunch'.Tatoeba #8115249 by Rovo, translation #8114788 by Dejo
- On se retrouve pour un brunch samedi matin ?Shall we meet for brunch on Saturday morning?
- Ça te dit de faire un brunch ensemble ?How about having brunch together?
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nathan and Chloé are planning their Sunday morning.
- NathanOn fait un brunch dimanche ?Shall we have a brunch on Sunday?
- ChloéC'est une excellente idée, Nathan.That is an excellent idea, Nathan.
- NathanTu veux préparer le brunch chez toi ?Do you want to prepare the brunch at your place?
- ChloéOui, je m'en occupe !Yes, I will take care of it!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “brunch” translations and entries brunch, déjeunette, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries brunch, dinatoire, déjeuner, déjeunette, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
