What does it mean word for word?
The word en-cas is a contraction of en cas (de), which literally means "in case (of)", implying that a snack is eaten in case one becomes hungry before a meal.
Which one should you use?
While en-cas is a general term for any snack, le goûter specifically refers to the traditional mid-afternoon snack eaten by children (and sometimes adults). Additionally, while en-cas refers to the food items themselves, grignotage refers to the act of snacking or nibbling.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For a more formal way to describe snacks and treats, especially sweet items like pastries or candies, you can use Gourmandises. If you want to express the idea of grabbing a quick snack while on the go informally, you can use the phrase Quelque chose sur le pouce.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word en-cas is invariable in number, which means its spelling does not change when referring to multiple snacks.
Did you know?
- If you are eating a snack quickly while standing or on the move, you might use the idiom quelque chose sur le pouce, which literally translates to 'something on the thumb'.
- The term grignotage shares a root with grignoter, which means 'to nibble' or 'to gnaw', mimicking the sound or action of a small rodent eating.
- In French, the word goûter is both a noun meaning 'the afternoon snack' and a verb meaning 'to taste'.
Examples in context
- Nous préparâmes des en-cas à l'avance.We prepared snacks beforehand.This sentence shows how to use en-cas to talk about preparing food in advance.Tatoeba #1348517 by sacredceltic, translation #247878 by CK
- Le médecin m'a dit de manger moins d'en-cas hautement caloriques.The doctor told me to eat fewer high-calorie snacks.This sentence uses en-cas in the context of dietary advice regarding high-calorie foods.Tatoeba #958021 by sacredceltic, translation #954342 by CK
- Si tu veux perdre du poids, tu devrais réduire ta consommation d'en-cas entre les repas.If you want to lose weight, you should cut down on between-meal snacks.This sentence demonstrates using en-cas when discussing weight loss and eating between meals.Tatoeba #13865195 by tieguy, translation #275260 by CK
- Je suis fan des gourmandises françaisesI'm a fan of French snacks
- J'ai pris un casse-croûte en attendant le dînerI had a snack while waiting for dinner
- Je vais prendre un bon goûter avec mes amisI'm going to have a nice snack with my friends
- Je grignote quelques en-cas devant la télévisionI munch on some snacks while watching TV
- J'ai un petit creux, je vais manger quelque choseI have a craving, I'm going to eat something
- En attendant le train, je vais prendre quelque chose sur le pouceWhile waiting for the train, I'm going to grab a snack
- J'ai mangé un délicieux goûter cet après-midiI had a delicious snack this afternoon
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Léa are preparing for a long car trip.
- LucasAs-tu acheté des en-cas pour le voyage ?Did you buy some snacks for the trip?
- LéaOui, j'ai pris des fruits et des noix.Yes, I got some fruit and nuts.
- LucasC'est parfait, j'adore ces en-cas sains.That's perfect, I love those healthy snacks.
- LéaMoi aussi, c'est mieux que des chips.Me too, it's better than potato chips.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
