Meaning
To sleep late in the morning, enjoying extra rest.
Cultural Background
The 'grasse matinée' is often associated with the 'dimanche matin' (Sunday morning), which is a time for family, markets, and relaxation. The phrase is used exactly the same way in Quebec, though the accent might make 'matinée' sound slightly different. Belgians also use this phrase frequently, often in the context of the long weekend.
Use the abbreviation
Don't be afraid to use 'faire la grasse mat'' with friends. It sounds very natural.
Avoid in interviews
Never mention this in a job interview unless asked about hobbies, and even then, be careful!
Meaning
To sleep late in the morning, enjoying extra rest.
Use the abbreviation
Don't be afraid to use 'faire la grasse mat'' with friends. It sounds very natural.
Avoid in interviews
Never mention this in a job interview unless asked about hobbies, and even then, be careful!
Sunday vibes
It is the quintessential Sunday activity in France.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence.
Le dimanche, j'adore ______ la grasse matinée.
The idiom is 'faire la grasse matinée'.
Which is correct?
Choose the correct phrase:
'Grasse' is the correct adjective for this idiom.
When do you use this?
You have no work on Saturday. What do you do?
It is the perfect phrase for a day off.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Tu te lèves tôt demain ? B: Non, ______.
The context implies not waking up early.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesLe dimanche, j'adore ______ la grasse matinée.
The idiom is 'faire la grasse matinée'.
Choose the correct phrase:
'Grasse' is the correct adjective for this idiom.
You have no work on Saturday. What do you do?
It is the perfect phrase for a day off.
A: Tu te lèves tôt demain ? B: Non, ______.
The context implies not waking up early.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsNo, it specifically refers to the morning.
No, any day off works.
Because 'matinée' is a feminine noun.
Not at all, it's a very common, positive phrase.
It is less common than 'la', but sometimes heard.
It implies relaxation, not necessarily laziness.
That definitely counts as a grasse matinée.
Not a single verb, the idiom is the standard way.
Related Phrases
Dormir sur ses deux oreilles
similarTo sleep soundly
Faire la sieste
similarTo take a nap
Être un lève-tôt
contrastTo be an early bird
