je prends mon petit-déjeuner
To say "I have breakfast" in French, use je prends mon petit-déjeuner.
The phrase je prends mon petit-déjeuner is used to state that you are eating the first meal of the day. You may also see the single verb je déjeune used to mean eating a meal, though its specific meaning for breakfast can vary depending on the region.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, je prends mon petit-déjeuner translates to "I take my little-breakfast".
Which one should you use?
In France, le petit-déjeuner refers specifically to breakfast. However, in some Francophone regions such as Quebec, the term le déjeuner is used for breakfast instead.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The meaning of the verb déjeuner can change based on the region, specifically regarding whether it refers to breakfast or lunch.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb used in this phrase is prendre (to take). In French, it is standard to use prendre when describing the consumption of meals, rather than using the verb avoir (to have).
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid saying j'ai le petit-déjeuner. While English speakers use the verb "to have," in French you should use prendre to say you are taking a meal.
Did you know?
- In France, a traditional petit-déjeuner is often sweet, consisting of tartines, croissants and coffee rather than the savory options common in Anglo-Saxon countries.
- While English uses 'breakfast' as a compound of 'break' and 'fast', the French petit-déjeuner literally means 'little lunch'.
- The word mon in je prends mon petit-déjeuner was likely influenced by the Gaulish word mon meaning 'my'.
Examples in context
- Je prends mon petit-déjeuner chaque matin.I have breakfast every morning.This sentence is useful for describing a daily habit using je prends mon petit-déjeuner.Tatoeba #467961 by sacredceltic, translation #261814 by CK
- Je prends mon petit-déjeuner à sept heures.I have breakfast at seven.This sentence is useful for specifying the time you use je prends mon petit-déjeuner.Tatoeba #915949 by sacredceltic, translation #252624 by CK
- Je prends le petit-déjeuner avec du pain et du caféI have breakfast with bread and coffee
- Je prends mon petit-déjeuner dans la cuisine.I am having my breakfast in the kitchen.
Example conversation
Emma and Hugo are talking in the hallway.
- EmmaTu veux venir manger avec moi ?Do you want to come eat with me?
- HugoOui, j'arrive tout de suite.Yes, I'm coming right now.
- EmmaDépêche-toi, je prends mon petit-déjeuner maintenant.Hurry up, I'm having my breakfast now.
- HugoJe suis prêt, on y va.I am ready, let's go.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries je, mon, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
