What does it mean word for word?
The phrase je prends mon petit-déjeuner literally translates to 'I take my little-breakfast'. This is because the verb prendre (to take) is commonly used instead of manger (to eat) for meals.
Which one should you use?
je prends mon petit-déjeuner is the standard expression, while je mange mon petit-déjeuner focuses on the eating process. For much more casual speech, you can use the shortened Je prends mon p'tit-déj. or the informal Je mange mon petit-déj.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In certain regions like parts of Canada, the phrase Je suis en train de déjeuner can be used to indicate one is eating breakfast.
How does it change in a sentence?
French does not have a continuous aspect like English, so the simple present je prends is used to express both 'I eat breakfast' and 'I am eating breakfast'.
Did you know?
- In Quebec and parts of Belgium, you might hear someone say Je déjeune to mean they are eating breakfast, whereas in France that same verb usually means they are eating lunch.
- In France, it is common for a petit-déjeuner to be entirely sweet, featuring tartines and croissants rather than the savory eggs or meats often found in English-speaking countries.
- The word mon in this phrase evolved from the Latin meum, though it was likely shaped by the influence of the ancient Gaulish word mon.
Examples in context
- Salut Julie, je prends mon p'tit-déj. Tu veux me rejoindre ?Hey Julie, I am having breakfast. Do you want to join me?
- Je prends mon petit-déjeuner dans la cuisine.I am eating my breakfast in the kitchen.
- Dépêche-toi, je prends mon petit-déjeuner rapidement.Hurry up, I am eating my breakfast quickly.
- Je prends mon petit-déjeuner avec un café.I am eating my breakfast with a coffee.
Example conversation
Léa is in the kitchen and Nathan enters the room.
- LéaBonjour Nathan, je prends mon petit-déjeuner.Hello Nathan, I am eating my breakfast.
- NathanTu veux un jus d'orange, Léa ?Do you want an orange juice, Léa?
- LéaOui, merci beaucoup !Yes, thank you very much!
- NathanDe rien, voilà ton jus.You're welcome, here is your juice.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries je, mon, CC BY-SA 4.0.
