mange ton petit-déjeuner
The English phrase "eat your breakfast" is translated into French as mange ton petit-déjeuner.
This phrase is used as a command telling someone to consume their first meal of the day.
Which one should you use?
While English often uses the possessive "your" in commands, mange ton petit-déjeuner serves as a direct and grammatically correct translation in French.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In certain regions of France, particularly in the north, the word déjeuner is used instead of petit-déjeuner to refer to breakfast, such as in the phrase Prends ton déjeuner.
How does it change in a sentence?
The default form mange ton petit-déjeuner uses the tu form, which is appropriate for children, friends or family members. If you are speaking to more than one person or using the formal vous to show respect, you must change the verb to mangez and the possessive to votre, resulting in mangez votre petit-déjeuner.
Did you know?
- The word déjeuner comes from the verb déjeuner, which originally meant 'to break a fast' or 'to stop fasting'.
- If you travel to Quebec, Canada, the way people name their meals changes significantly. In Quebec, the word déjeuner refers to breakfast, while petit-déjeuner is rarely used at all.
- While the English command 'eat' is common, a French speaker might more naturally say Prends ton petit-déjeuner using the verb 'prendre' (to take) instead of 'manger' (to eat).
Examples in context
- Prenez votre petit-déjeuner avant de partir pour la journée.Eat your breakfast before you leave for the day.
- Mange ton petit-déjeuner rapidement pour être prêt pour l'école.Eat your breakfast quickly to be ready for school.
- Mange ton petit-déjeuner avant de partir.Eat your breakfast before leaving.
- Mange ton petit-déjeuner tout chaud.Eat your breakfast while it is still hot.
- Dépêche-toi et mange ton petit-déjeuner.Hurry up and eat your breakfast.
Example conversation
Emma is trying to get Nathan ready for school in the morning.
- EmmaNathan, mange ton petit-déjeuner maintenant.Nathan, eat your breakfast now.
- NathanJe n'ai pas très faim ce matin.I am not very hungry this morning.
- EmmaTu dois manger un peu pour l'école.You must eat a little for school.
- NathanD'accord, je vais manger quelques céréales.Okay, I will eat some cereal.
