l'heure de manger
The French phrase for "time to eat" is l'heure de manger.
l'heure de manger is used to announce that it is the scheduled time for a meal. It is frequently used as an exclamation, such as C'est l'heure de manger !, to call people to the table.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "the hour of to eat".
Which one should you use?
While l'heure de manger is a standard way to express this, you can also use l'heure du repas, which means "the time of the meal".
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the preposition de to link the noun heure (hour/time) to the infinitive verb manger (to eat).
Did you know?
- In France, the phrase C'est l'heure de manger ! is often followed by the custom of placing the bread directly on the table tablecloth rather than on a side plate.
- The French language uses the verb manger to describe 'eating' things that aren't food, such as when a car 'eats' its own oil or a road 'eats' the distance.
- The French word manger comes from the Late Latin word manducāre, which specifically meant 'to chew' or 'devour'.
Examples in context
- C'est presque l'heure de manger.It's almost time to eat.This sentence shows how to say it is almost time to eat using l'heure de manger.Tatoeba #11167819 by lbdx, translation #6704094 by CK
- Je pense qu'il est l'heure de manger.I think it's time to eat.This sentence uses l'heure de manger to express a thought about the time to eat.Tatoeba #7267104 by Aiji, translation #6126682 by CK
- C'est l'heure de manger.It's time to eat.This sentence is a simple way to state it is time to eat with l'heure de manger.Tatoeba #1719910 by belgavox, translation #954096 by CK
- C'est l'heure du repasIt's time to eat
- À table, tout le mondeLet's eat, everyone
- C'est l'heure de se mettre à table, mes amisIt's time to sit down at the table, my friends
- On passe à table, la nourriture est prêteLet's start eating, the food is ready
- C'est l'heure de se mettre à table, mon amourIt's time to sit down at the table, my love
- On passe à table, les amis. J'ai préparé un délicieux repasLet's start eating, friends. I have prepared a delicious meal
Example conversation
In a kitchen during a lunch break.
- GabrielEmma, c'est l'heure de manger !Emma, it's time to eat!
- EmmaAh, j'ai très faim.Ah, I am very hungry.
- GabrielMets la table, s'il te plaît.Set the table, please.
- EmmaD'accord, je m'en occupe.Okay, I'll take care of it.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, manger, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
