collation
The French word for snack is collation.
A snack is an item of food eaten between meals. You might use the term en-cas to refer to a general snack, or petite gourmandise when referring specifically to a little treat.
Meaning: an item of food eaten between meals (noun)
Which one should you use?
While collation is a general term for a snack, it is more formal or clinical than the common word goûter, which is used specifically for an afternoon snack. For a snack or a sandwich, you can use casse-croûte.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The term casse-croûte is commonly used in France, and goûter is primarily used in France. Goûter is especially popular among children.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
To describe the action of snacking or nibbling on small amounts of food, use the verb grignoter. The noun for the act of nibbling is grignotage.
When do people say it?
In France, there is a ritualistic snack eaten in the late afternoon known as le goûter, which is enjoyed by children and sometimes adults.
Did you know?
- The word collation originates from the Latin term for a gathering of monks for a meal. It suggests a more structured or communal event than a simple snack.
- The term casse-croûte literally translates to 'break-crust'. It evokes the image of someone breaking open a piece of crusty bread to eat.
- While goûter is a noun for a snack, it is also the infinitive form of the verb 'to taste'.
Examples in context
- J'ai besoin d'une collation.I need a snack.This sentence shows how to express a need for a collation.Tatoeba #1080760 by sacredceltic, translation #881796 by CK
- Je nous ai fait une collation.I made a snack for us.This sentence demonstrates making a collation for a group.Tatoeba #2384285 by Rovo, translation #2380398 by CK
- Pouvez-vous me préparer une collation ?Can you make me a snack?This sentence is a way to ask someone to prepare a collation.Tatoeba #6309434 by Aiji, translation #3328136 by CK
- Je voudrais une collation s'il vous plaîtI would like a snack, please
- Les amuse-gueules étaient délicieuxThe snacks were delicious
- Je me suis offert une petite gâterieI treated myself to a little snack
- Je prends toujours un casse-croûte en milieu de matinéeI always have a snack in mid-morning
- Que vas-tu manger au goûter ?What are you going to eat for your snack?
- Tu veux un goûter ?Do you want a snack?
- Oui, je prendrais bien un casse-croûte.Yes, I'd like a snack.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Manon and Gabriel are studying in the library.
- ManonJ'ai faim, on prend une collation ?I'm hungry, shall we have a snack?
- GabrielBonne idée, j'ai des pommes dans mon sac.Good idea, I have some apples in my bag.
- ManonC'est une collation parfaite pour étudier.That is a perfect snack for studying.
- GabrielOn mange vite et on reprend le travail.Let's eat quickly and get back to work.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries collation, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
