What does it mean word for word?
The phrase Qu'est-ce qu'on mange ce midi ? literally translates to "What is it that one eats this midday?", where ce midi means "this midday."
Which one should you use?
While Qu'est-ce qu'on mange ce midi ? is standard for everyday use, you can use On mange quoi ce midi ? for an even more casual, colloquial style by placing quoi at the end of the sentence. For formal situations, Que mange-t-on pour le déjeuner? is a suitable option, whereas Qu'est-ce que nous mangeons ce midi ? is also formal but much less common in spoken French.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The default form Qu'est-ce qu'on mange ce midi ? is the most common way to ask this in casual, everyday conversation. For a more formal tone, use Que mange-t-on pour le déjeuner? In very informal settings, you might hear Qu'est-ce qu'on mange à midi? or the colloquial On mange quoi pour le déjeuner?
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Québec, you may hear Qu'est-ce qu'on mange à dîner? to mean "What are we having for lunch?" or C'est quoi le repas de midi? to ask "What is the midday meal?"
How does it change in a sentence?
In French, ce midi is the standard way to refer to "today's lunch" or "this midday" when asking about a meal.
Did you know?
- In France, le midi is not just a time of day but is also used as a synonym for the South of France.
- In Québec, the word for lunch is often dîner, whereas in France dîner almost always refers to the evening meal.
- The pronoun on used in Qu'est-ce qu'on mange ? is grammatically singular but almost always functions as 'we' in spoken French, replacing the more formal nous.
Examples in context
- Qu'est-ce qu'on mange aujourd'hui à midi?What are we having for lunch today?
- Dis-moi, qu'est-ce qu'on mange ce midi ?Tell me, what is for lunch?
Example conversation
Manon and Hugo are in the kitchen at noon.
- ManonQu'est-ce qu'on mange ce midi ?What are we eating for lunch?
- HugoJ'ai préparé une grande salade.I prepared a large salad.
- ManonC'est parfait, j'ai très faim !That's perfect, I'm very hungry!
- HugoAlors, on passe à table.Well, let's sit down to eat.
