soupe populaire
/sup pɔ.py.lɛʁ/feminine
The English phrase 'soup kitchen' is soupe populaire in French.
A soupe populaire is a place set up to provide basic food as a charity or in time of disaster. While it is the standard term, it is often used as a proper noun or a generic term for charitable food distribution centers in France.
Meaning: place set up to provide basic food as a charity or in time of disaster (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, soupe populaire translates to 'popular soup', where populaire refers to 'of the people' or 'for the people' in a social context.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of soupe populaire is /sup pɔ.py.lɛʁ/. It has 3 syllables.
Did you know?
- Many soupes populaires in France are now managed by the Restos du Cœur, a famous charity founded by comedian Coluche in 1985.
- Historically, soupes populaires were crucial during the French Revolution as a way to prevent urban riots by ensuring the poorest citizens had basic sustenance.
- The word soupe comes from the Late Latin suppa, which referred to bread 'sopped' or soaked in liquid rather than the liquid itself.
Examples in context
- J'étais bénévole à la soupe populaire du coin.I used to volunteer at the local soup kitchen.This sentence is useful for expressing that you used to volunteer at a local soupe populaire.Tatoeba #12916328 by lbdx, translation #5189088 by CK
- J'ai volontairement travaillé dans une cuisine populaire pour aider à la distribution de nourriture.I voluntarily worked in a soup kitchen to help with food distribution.
- La soupe populaire aide beaucoup de gens.The soup kitchen helps many people.
- Elle donne des vêtements à la soupe populaire.She gives clothes to the soup kitchen.
Example conversation
Manon and Lucas are discussing how to help people in their city.
- ManonLucas, veux-tu aider à la soupe populaire demain ?Lucas, do you want to help at the soup kitchen tomorrow?
- LucasOui, je suis disponible toute la matinée.Yes, I am available all morning.
- ManonC'est super, on a besoin de bras.That's great, we need some extra hands.
- LucasJe serai là à huit heures.I will be there at eight o'clock.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “soup kitchen” translations and entries soupe populaire, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries populaire, soupe, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
