soupe à l'oignon
The English phrase "onion soup" is translated into French as soupe à l'oignon.
soupe à l'oignon refers to a soup where onions are the main ingredient.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "soup with the onion".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Vosges region, there is a variant called Soupe à l'oignon des Vosges which uses Munster cheese.
How does it change in a sentence?
The preposition à is used here to indicate the primary flavor or ingredient of the dish.
Did you know?
- In France, soupe à l'oignon is a traditional 'hangover cure' often served at specialty cafes in the early hours of the morning to people leaving nightclubs.
- The word soupe does not actually come from the French word for 'soup' as a liquid, but from the action of 'sopping' or dipping bread into a liquid. It stems from the Late Latin word suppa, which referred to bread soaked in broth.
- The classic soupe à l'oignon is distinct from soupe à l'oignon gratinée, which specifically refers to the version topped with melted cheese and toasted bread.
Examples in context
- Excusez-moi, pouvez-vous me recommander une soupe à l'oignon ?Excuse me, could you recommend an onion soup?
- Bien sûr ! Notre spécialité est la soupe à l'oignon gratinée. C'est délicieux !Of course! Our specialty is the gratinéed onion soup. It's delicious!
- Super ! J'adore la soupe à l'oignon gratinée. Laisse-moi en goûter une cuillerée !Great! I love gratinéed onion soup. Let me taste a spoonful!
- Je voudrais une soupe à l'oignon, s'il vous plaît.I would like an onion soup, please.
- La soupe à l'oignon est délicieuse.The onion soup is delicious.
- Est-ce qu'il reste de la soupe à l'oignon ?Is there any onion soup left?
Example conversation
Lucas and Emma are dining at a small French bistro.
- LucasEmma, est-ce que tu veux une soupe à l'oignon ?Emma, do you want an onion soup?
- EmmaOui, j'adore la soupe à l'oignon !Yes, I love onion soup!
- LucasD'accord, je vais commander pour nous deux.Okay, I will order for both of us.
- EmmaMerci, Lucas, c'est très gentil.Thank you, Lucas, that is very kind.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries soupe, à, CC BY-SA 4.0.
