steak à point
The English phrase "medium steak" is translated into French as steak à point.
This phrase refers to a steak cooked so that the center is pink and warm. When you are ordering in a restaurant, you can simply say à point to specify the level of doneness for your meat.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase à point literally means "at the point" or "at the right moment," implying the meat has reached its ideal cooking state.
Did you know?
- If you ask for a steak bien cuit, some traditional French chefs may view it as a mistake because it is believed to destroy the flavor and texture of high-quality beef.
- While à point is the standard for 'medium', requesting a steak bleu in France means it is served extremely rare, often seared only on the outside and remaining cool and red in the center.
- The word 'point' in steak à point shares an etymological root with the English word 'puncture', as both come from the Latin 'pungere', meaning 'to prick'.
Examples in context
- Je voudrais un steak à point, s'il vous plaît.I would like a medium steak, please.
- Pourriez-vous me faire cuire un steak à point, s'il vous plaît?Could you cook a medium steak for me, please?
- Un steak à point, s'il te plaît.A medium steak, please.
- Est-ce que votre steak à point est tendre ?Is your medium steak tender?
- Il préfère manger son steak à point.He prefers to eat his steak medium.
Example conversation
Léa and Lucas are ordering dinner at a restaurant.
- LéaLucas, comment veux-tu ta viande ?Lucas, how do you want your meat?
- LucasJe vais prendre un steak à point.I will have a medium steak.
- LéaD'accord, je commande la même chose.Okay, I'll order the same thing.
- LucasC'est le meilleur choix !It's the best choice!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries point, steak, à, CC BY-SA 4.0.
