plat principal
/pla pʁɛ̃.si.pal/
The English phrase 'main dish' is translated into French as plat principal.
This phrase refers to the primary and most substantial course of a meal.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of plat (dish) and principal (main/principal).
Which one should you use?
In French, the term entrée refers to a starter or appetizer. English speakers should be careful not to use entrée to mean the main course, as that role is filled by plat principal.
How does it change in a sentence?
To form the plural, both the noun and the adjective change: plats principaux means 'main dishes'.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using entrée when you mean the main course. In French, that word refers to the starter or appetizer.
When do people say it?
Cassoulet is a specialty of the south-west of France.
Did you know?
- The English word 'entrée' is a direct loanword from French, but its meaning shifted from 'entrance' to 'main course' only in North America.
- In traditional French dining, the plat principal is often followed by a cheese course and a dessert rather than just one final dish.
- The word plat comes from a root meaning 'broad' or 'flat', much like the Greek 'platús'.
Examples in context
- Pour le repas, nous vous proposons un choix de quatre plats principaux.For the meal, we offer you a choice of four main dishes.
- Quel est le plat principal ?What is the main dish?
- Le plat principal est délicieux.The main dish is delicious.
- Je n'aime pas ce plat principal.I do not like this main dish.
Example conversation
Gabriel and Léa are looking at a restaurant menu.
- GabrielLéa, qu'est-ce que tu choisis comme plat principal ?Léa, what are you choosing for the main dish?
- LéaJe vais prendre le poulet rôti.I'm going to have the roast chicken.
- GabrielC'est un bon choix, c'est délicieux ici.That's a good choice, it's delicious here.
- LéaEt toi, Gabriel, tu prends quoi ?And you, Gabriel, what are you getting?
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry plat principal, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries plat, principal, CC BY-SA 4.0.
