soupe à l'oignon
The English phrase "soup onion" is translated into French as soupe à l'oignon.
This phrase refers to the specific dish made primarily with onions.
Which one should you use?
The singular form soupe à l'oignon is the standard way to name the dish, but you will also very commonly see soupe aux oignons used to denote the same thing.
How does it change in a sentence?
While soupe à l'oignon uses the singular, the variation soupe aux oignons uses the plural form of onion to describe the dish.
Did you know?
- The word soupe comes from the Late Latin word suppa, which originally referred to a piece of bread used to soak up liquid. This is why the dish is named after the act of 'sopping' rather than the liquid itself.
- In traditional French culture, soupe à l'oignon was known as the 'soup of the poor' because onions were cheap and widely available.
- The classic Gratinéen version of soupe à l'oignon became a legendary late-night meal for artists and revelers in the cafes of Paris during the 19th century.
Examples in context
- Je voudrais un oignon pour la soupe, s'il vous plaît.I would like an onion for the soup, please.
- Je voudrais une soupe à l'oignon, s'il vous plaît.I would like an onion soup, please.
- La soupe à l'oignon est très chaude.The onion soup is very hot.
- Est-ce que tu aimes la soupe à l'oignon ?Do you like onion soup?
Example conversation
Lucas and Léa are looking at a menu in a bistro.
- LucasQu'est-ce que tu veux manger, Léa ?What do you want to eat, Léa?
- LéaJe vais prendre la soupe à l'oignon.I will have the onion soup.
- LucasC'est un bon choix pour l'hiver.That is a good choice for winter.
- LéaOui, c'est ma préférée !Yes, it's my favorite!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries soupe, à, CC BY-SA 4.0.
