How to Say "Lunch Time" in French

l'heure du déjeuner

In French, lunch time is translated as l'heure du déjeuner.

The phrase l'heure du déjeuner is used to denote the specific period or point in the day designated for eating lunch.

What does it mean word for word?

The phrase literally translates to 'the hour of the lunch'.

While l'heure du déjeuner refers specifically to the time of day, le déjeuner refers to the meal itself.

In Switzerland, the word dîner is sometimes used to refer to lunch.

The phrase uses the definite article l’ and the contraction du (de + le), making it a specific noun phrase rather than a general concept.

In traditional French culture, the midday meal is often the most important part of the day, and l'heure du déjeuner is frequently a protected time where businesses may close entirely.
The word déjeuner contains a hidden meaning related to fasting, as it is formed from the prefix dé- and the verb jeûner, which means 'to fast'.
While déjeuner is the standard term for lunch in France, the word dîner can be used for the midday meal in regions like Belgium, Switzerland and Quebec.

Elle était censée rentrer avant l'heure du déjeuner.
She's supposed to be back by lunch time.
This sentence shows how to use l'heure du déjeuner to indicate a deadline for returning.
Tatoeba #5923228 by Aiji, translation #315817 by CK
C'est déjà l'heure du déjeuner. Allons à la cafétéria !
It is already lunch time. Let's head to the cafeteria!
This sentence uses l'heure du déjeuner to suggest going to a cafeteria because it is currently that time of day.
Tatoeba #9690395 by lbdx, translation #1745375 by kate15
Il ne sera pas à la maison pour l'heure du déjeuner.
He won't be home at lunch time.
This sentence uses l'heure du déjeuner to describe when someone will or will not be at a location.
Tatoeba #3521733 by sacredceltic, translation #301557 by CK

Léa and Hugo are at work and checking the clock.

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