Which one should you use?
In standard French, the verb déjeuner specifically refers to having the midday meal, which distinguishes it from petit-déjeuner, which refers to breakfast.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, Canada, you may hear different forms to express the same idea. People in Quebec might use dîner instead of déjeuner to refer to lunch, which leads to the phrases Je dîne. or Je prends mon dîner. to mean "I have lunch."
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase je déjeune uses the verb déjeuner in the first-person singular present tense. It can be used to express a habitual action, such as "I have lunch" every day or a continuous action happening at this moment, such as "I am having lunch."
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid the common error of saying je mange le déjeuner (I eat the lunch). While this follows English logic, it is much more natural in French to use the verb déjeuner itself.
Did you know?
- The verb déjeuner literally means 'to break the fast', just like the English word 'breakfast'.
- A French speaker from Paris and one from Quebec might both say je déjeune, but the Parisian is eating lunch while the Quebecer is eating breakfast.
- In many parts of the French-speaking world, such as Belgium or Switzerland, the word déjeuner actually refers to breakfast, while the midday meal is called dîner. This can cause confusion for learners who use the standard Parisian definitions.
Examples in context
- Je déjeune à midi.I have lunch at noon.This sentence shows when you have lunch during the day.Tatoeba #6268 by TRANG, translation #258971 by CK
- Je déjeune à midi avec mes amis.I have lunch at noon with my friends.This sentence shows you are having lunch with friends.Tatoeba #128829 by sacredceltic, translation #271620 by CK
- Je déjeune à une heure.I have lunch at one o'clock.This sentence shows the specific time you have lunch.Tatoeba #10267913 by carlosalberto, translation #10267896 by carlosalberto
- Avez-vous déjà déjeuné?Have you already had lunch?
- Oui, je vais bouffer.Yes, I'm going to grab a bite.
Example conversation
Two colleagues are talking in a hallway during a break.
- LucasTu viens manger avec nous ?Are you coming to eat with us?
- ChloéNon, je déjeune seule à mon bureau.No, I am having lunch alone at my desk.
- LucasD'accord, bon appétit, Chloé !Okay, enjoy your meal, Chloé!
- ChloéMerci, Lucas !Thanks, Lucas!
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
