viens manger
The English phrase "come eat" is translated into French as viens manger.
This phrase is an invitation used to tell someone that a meal is ready and they should come to the table. While viens manger is a direct invitation, the common idiomatic way to call people to a meal is À table ! Among friends and family, you might also use the question On mange ? to invite them to eat together or the phrase Passe à table ! to signal that a meal is ready in friendly and informal settings.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the imperative of venir (to come) followed by the infinitive manger (to eat).
How does it change in a sentence?
Viens manger uses the imperative singular form of the verb venir, making it appropriate for friends, family or children. Use venez manger instead of viens manger when addressing more than one person or when using the formal vous form.
Did you know?
- The word manger is the root of the English word 'manger', though in English it refers to a feeding trough for animals rather than the act of eating.
- In France, the invitation to eat often triggers a cultural rule where guests wait for the host to say Bon appétit before starting their meal.
- The word manger descends from the Late Latin word manducāre, which specifically meant 'to chew' or 'to devour' rather than just 'to eat'.
Examples in context
- Viens manger, c'est chaud !Come eat, it's hot!
- Viens manger, le dîner est servi.Come eat, dinner is served.
- Chéri, viens manger tout de suite.Honey, come eat right away.
Example conversation
Chloé is calling Gabriel from the kitchen.
- ChloéGabriel, viens manger !Gabriel, come eat!
- GabrielJ'arrive dans deux minutes.I'll be there in two minutes.
- ChloéDépêche-toi, la soupe est chaude.Hurry up, the soup is hot.
- GabrielD'accord, je suis là.Okay, I'm here.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries manger, CC BY-SA 4.0.
