repas principal
The English phrase 'main meal' is translated into French as repas principal.
repas principal refers to the primary meal of the day. When using this phrase in a sentence, you should almost always include a definite article such as le before it.
Meaning: primary meal of the day (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of two parts: repas, which means 'meal' and principal, which means 'main' or 'principal'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec (Canada), the main meal might be referred to as le dîner.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the plural 'main meals', use repas principaux. In this form, the adjective changes from principal to principaux to match the plural noun.
Did you know?
- While repas principal is a literal description, a French person might simply say le plat de résistance to refer to the heavy, most important part of the meal.
- While repas principal is a general term, French culture traditionally treats the midday meal as the most important of the day, often lasting longer than dinner.
- The term repas is derived from the Latin verb repascere, which literally means 'to feed again' or 'to graze'.
Examples in context
- Je vais prendre le plat principal, s'il vous plaîtI will take the main meal, please
- Le repas principal sera servi dans quelques minutesThe main meal will be served in a few minutes
- Le repas principal est servi à midi.The main meal is served at noon.
- Quel est votre repas principal de la journée ?What is your main meal of the day?
Example conversation
Emma and Nathan are discussing their eating habits at home.
- EmmaEst-ce que le déjeuner est ton repas principal ?Is lunch your main meal?
- NathanNon, mon repas principal est souvent le dîner.No, my main meal is often dinner.
- EmmaD'accord, je comprends mieux ton rythme.Okay, I understand your rhythm better.
- NathanOui, j'aime bien manger plus tard.Yes, I like eating later.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries principal, repas, CC BY-SA 4.0.
