When you’re dining out at a restaurant or simply discussing daily specials with your friends or colleagues, it’s helpful to know how to talk about the “special of the day” in French. In this guide, we’ll explore both formal and informal ways to express this concept, along with some useful tips and examples. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions
If you’re in a formal setting or conversing with someone you don’t know well, using the proper vocabulary and expressions is important. Here are a few ways to convey the “special of the day” formally:
- Le plat du jour: This is the most common and straightforward way to say “special of the day” in French. It literally translates to “dish of the day” and is widely used in French-speaking countries. For example, you can say, “Quel est le plat du jour?” which means “What is the special of the day?”
- L’ardoise du jour: Another formal term you might come across is “l’ardoise du jour,” which translates to “slate of the day.” It refers to a slate board often used to display daily specials in restaurants. You can use this expression by asking, “Qu’est-ce qu’il y a sur l’ardoise du jour?” which means “What’s on the slate of the day?”
Informal Expressions
When you’re in a casual setting or conversing with friends or family, you can use less formal expressions to talk about the “special of the day.” Here are a few options:
- Le plat spécial: This is a simple and informal way to refer to the “special of the day.” For example, you can say, “Quel est le plat spécial aujourd’hui?” which means “What is the special dish today?”
- La suggestion du jour: If you want to sound slightly more informal but still polite, you can use “la suggestion du jour,” meaning “suggestion of the day.” You can ask, “Quelle est la suggestion du jour?” to inquire about the special.
Tips and Examples
Here are a few additional tips and examples to help you discuss the “special of the day” confidently:
TIP: If you’re unsure about the pronunciation of the French expressions, a quick search online can provide you with audio resources to practice and improve your spoken French.
Now, let’s take a look at some examples of how to use these expressions in different contexts:
- Example 1: If you’re at a restaurant and want to know the special, you can say, “Excusez-moi, pourriez-vous me dire quel est le plat du jour?” which means “Excuse me, could you tell me what the special of the day is?”
- Example 2: In a casual conversation with friends, you can ask, “Vous avez une idée de la suggestion du jour?” meaning “Do you have any idea what the suggestion of the day is?”
- Example 3: When discussing the daily special with colleagues, you might say, “Savez-vous ce qu’il y a sur l’ardoise du jour?” which translates to “Do you know what’s on the slate of the day?”
Remember, these are just a few examples, and you can adapt the expressions to fit different situations and conversations.
Overall, knowing how to talk about the “special of the day” in French allows you to confidently navigate menus and engage in discussions about daily specials. Whether you’re in a formal or informal setting, the expressions provided in this guide will help you communicate effectively. Bon appétit!
