sandwich sous-marin
masculine
The English phrase 'submarine sandwich' is translated into French as sandwich sous-marin.
While technically correct, this phrase is rarely used in France. People are much more likely to use the term sandwich or specify the type of sandwich (like a pain baguette).
Meaning: submarine sandwich (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Québec, Canada, a submarine sandwich is commonly known as a sous-marin.
Did you know?
- In France, ordering a sandwich without specifying the filling often defaults to a jambon-beurre, a classic combination of ham and butter.
- In France, if you ask for a sandwich sous-marin in a cafe, the waiter might assume you are discussing naval warfare or a military vessel rather than food.
- The word marin shares an unexpected linguistic root with the English word 'marine', both stemming from the Latin 'marinus' meaning 'of the sea'.
Examples in context
- Tu viens manger un sub à midi ?Are you coming to eat a sub at noon?
Example conversation
Nathan and Léa are deciding what to eat for lunch.
- NathanLéa, tu veux manger quoi aujourd'hui ?Léa, what do you want to eat today?
- LéaJ'ai très envie d'un sandwich sous-marin.I really feel like having a submarine sandwich.
- NathanBonne idée, il y a une boutique juste là.Good idea, there is a shop right there.
- LéaParfait, allons-y ensemble !Perfect, let's go together!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “submarine sandwich” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries sandwich, sous-marin, CC BY-SA 4.0.
