entrée
/ɑ̃.tʁe/feminine
The French word entrée means the English phrase entrée.
In French, entrée refers to the dish served before the main course of a meal, similar to an English starter or appetizer. It is important to note that this differs from the North American English usage where the word often refers to the main course.
Meaning: dish served before the main course of a meal (noun)
Which one should you use?
In North American English, entrée often refers to the main course, but in French, it specifically refers to the starter or appetizer.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables and is pronounced /ɑ̃.tʁe/.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use entrée to mean the main course when dining in France. Instead, you should use terms like plat principal or plat de résistance to refer to the main course.
Did you know?
- The word entrée is also used in French to describe the 'opening act' of a play or the entrance of a character onto a stage.
- In a formal French multi-course meal, the entrée is often followed by a ‘plat de résistance’, which literally translates to the 'resisting dish' that provides the substance of the meal.
- In French, entrée literally means 'entrance'. This refers to the dish that serves as the entrance to the meal, rather than the main event.
Examples in context
- Je vais essayer l'entrée du chefI will try the chef's appetizer
- Chaque menu comprend une entrée, un plat de résistance et un dessert.Each menu includes an appetizer, a main course, and a dessert.
- Les plats chauds sont affichés sur l'ardoise à l'entrée du restaurant.The hot dishes are displayed on the board at the restaurant entrance.
- On partage une entrée avant de passer au plat principal.We share an appetizer before moving on to the main course.
- L'entrée est très fraîche.The starter is very fresh.
- Je voudrais l'entrée au saumon.I would like the salmon starter.
Example conversation
Nathan and Chloé are looking at a menu in a restaurant.
- NathanEst-ce que tu veux partager une entrée ?Do you want to share an appetizer?
- ChloéOui, je vais prendre la soupe.Yes, I will have the soup.
- NathanParfait, c'est une très bonne entrée.Perfect, that is a very good starter.
- ChloéD'accord, on commande maintenant, Nathan.Okay, let's order now, Nathan.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “entrée” translations and entries entrée, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
