assiette à pain
The French term for side plate is assiette à pain.
This noun refers to a plate used to serve the side dish.
Meaning: plate used to serve the side dish (noun)
Did you know?
- The word assiette shares a root with the English word 'assiduous', as both come from the Latin verb assidēre, which means 'to sit beside' or 'to settle'.
- In formal French etiquette, you should never use the assiette à pain to place discarded food or waste, such as olive pits or shrimp shells, regardless of its position on the table.
- In a formal French table setting, placing your assiette à pain in the wrong position can signal to a waiter that you are not accustomed to fine dining etiquette.
Example conversation
Emma and Nathan are setting the dinner table.
- EmmaOù est l'assiette à pain ?Where is the side plate?
- NathanElle est dans le placard, Emma.It is in the cupboard, Emma.
- EmmaMerci, Nathan. Je la prends.Thanks, Nathan. I'll take it.
- NathanDe rien, je t'aide maintenant.You're welcome, I'll help you now.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries assiette, pain, à, CC BY-SA 4.0.
