cantine scolaire
The English phrase school lunch is cantine scolaire in French.
The term cantine scolaire refers to the meal provided by a school for its students during the school day. In everyday conversation, French speakers often shorten this to la cantine to refer to the school lunch or the place where it is eaten. Additionally, the single word cantine is the most widely used term for school cafeteria.
Which one should you use?
Repas scolaire translates to school meal and is a formal way to say school lunch.
Did you know?
- In French secondary schools, the 'cantine' is often referred to as 'le self', a shortened version of 'self-service', reflecting the cafeteria style.
- The word cantine is a borrowing from the Italian word cantina, which originally referred to a cellar or a place for storing wine.
- Unlike the fast-paced American school lunch, French students typically have a much longer break for the cantine, sometimes lasting up to two hours.
Examples in context
- Je vais à la cantineI'm going to the school cafeteria
- Il mange à la cantine scolaire tous les midis.He eats at the school canteen every noon.
- Il n'aime pas le repas de la cantine scolaire.He does not like the school lunch meal.
- Les enfants mangent à la cantine scolaire.The children eat at the school lunchroom.
Example conversation
Two students are talking in the hallway before the break.
- LéaNathan, on va à la cantine scolaire ?Nathan, shall we go to the school lunch?
- NathanNon, j'ai apporté mon propre repas.No, I brought my own meal.
- LéaC'est dommage, la cantine scolaire sert des pâtes.That's a shame, the school lunch is serving pasta.
- NathanPeut-être une prochaine fois, Léa.Maybe next time, Léa.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cantine, scolaire, CC BY-SA 4.0.
