dîner
/di.ne/
The English phrase 'dinner party' is translated into French as dîner.
The word dîner refers to both the meal itself and the social event or dinner party surrounding that meal. While English speakers often use the specific phrase 'dinner party' to describe the social gathering, French speakers typically use un dîner to imply the entire event.
Meaning: A relatively formal guestmeal (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the idea of inviting someone to a dinner party, use the construction inviter à dîner, which combines the verb inviter with the preposition à and the verb dîner.
How do you pronounce it?
dîner is pronounced /di.ne/ and consists of 2 syllables.
Did you know?
- In some regions of France, Belgium and Switzerland, dîner refers to the midday meal, while the evening meal is called souper.
- The word dîner originates from the Latin term for 'to break the fast', which is the same logic behind the English word 'breakfast'.
- In traditional French dining, the dîner follows a specific sequence where cheese is served after the main course but before the dessert.
Examples in context
- Je l'ai rencontrée lors d'un dîner.I met her at a dinner party.This sentence shows how to use dîner to describe meeting someone at a dinner party.Tatoeba #1793960 by sacredceltic, translation #1792404 by Spamster
- J'ai organisé un dîner, le week-end dernier.I had a small dinner party last weekend.This sentence shows how to use dîner when discussing having organized a dinner party.Tatoeba #2429265 by sacredceltic, translation #2331629 by CK
- Nous organisons un dîner pour son anniversaire.We are organizing a dinner for his birthday.
Example conversation
Léa and Hugo are discussing their plans for the upcoming weekend.
- LéaTu veux venir à notre dîner samedi ?Do you want to come to our dinner on Saturday?
- HugoC'est un dîner formel ou décontracté ?Is it a formal dinner or a casual one?
- LéaC'est un dîner assez élégant.It is quite an elegant dinner.
- HugoD'accord, j'ai hâte d'y être !Okay, I can't wait to be there!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry dîner, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries dîner, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
