prendre le petit déjeuner
To eat breakfast in French is prendre le petit déjeuner.
The phrase is used to describe the act of consuming the first meal of the day. In a morning context, the single verb déjeuner can also be used to mean 'to have breakfast'.
What does it mean word for word?
The term petit déjeuner literally translates to 'little lunch'.
Which one should you use?
While petit déjeuner refers to breakfast, the word déjeuner alone refers to lunch in standard French. In certain contexts, however, déjeuner can be used as a formal way to say 'to have breakfast'.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using the verb prendre, the phrase requires the definite article le before petit déjeuner.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid saying manger le petit déjeuner. While English speakers often use the verb 'to eat', in French you should use prendre (to take/have) when expressing the act of having a meal like breakfast.
Did you know?
- In many parts of the French-speaking world, such as Quebec or parts of Belgium, the words for meals shift, so déjeuner might mean breakfast and dîner might mean lunch.
- The verb prendre used in this phrase comes from the Latin prehendere, meaning 'to seize'.
- The word petit in petit déjeuner reflects a historical shift where the main midday meal became the primary focus, pushing breakfast into a 'small' secondary role.
Examples in context
- Je veux prendre le petit déjeuner dehors.I want to eat breakfast outside.This sentence is useful for practicing the phrase prendre le petit déjeuner.Tatoeba #6865260 by GB3, translation #3732782 by CK
- Je prends le petit-déjeuner à 7 heures tous les matins.I eat breakfast at 7 o'clock every morning.
- Je vais déjeuner vers 8 heures tous les matins.I have breakfast around 8 o'clock every morning.
- Ce matin, j'ai picoré mon petit-déjeuner en lisant le journal.This morning, I nibbled on my breakfast while reading the newspaper.
- Nous allons prendre le petit déjeuner à huit heures.We are going to eat breakfast at eight o'clock.
- Est-ce que tu veux prendre le petit déjeuner avec moi ?Do you want to eat breakfast with me?
Example conversation
A couple is planning their morning at a hotel.
- HugoLéa, on peut prendre le petit déjeuner maintenant ?Léa, can we eat breakfast now?
- LéaOui, je suis prête, Hugo.Yes, I am ready, Hugo.
- HugoTu veux prendre le petit déjeuner à la terrasse ?Do you want to eat breakfast on the terrace?
- LéaC'est une excellente idée.That is an excellent idea.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries déjeuner, le, petit, prendre, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
