This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

A2 noun #4,500 most common 11 min read

brunch

Top 4,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips brunch in 30 Seconds

Explanation brunch in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to know that 'le brunch' is a word the French borrowed from English. It means the same thing: a meal eaten late in the morning that combines breakfast and lunch. It is a masculine noun, so we say 'le brunch' or 'un brunch'. You will mostly see this word on restaurant signs on Sundays. For example: 'Je veux un brunch'. It is a very easy word for English speakers to remember because it looks and sounds almost exactly like the English word. You can use it to talk about your weekend plans in a very simple way. Just remember that in France, a brunch is a special treat, usually for the weekend, and it often includes things like croissants and orange juice. You might hear your teacher say 'On fait un brunch ?' which means 'Shall we have a brunch?'. Even at this beginning stage, knowing this word helps you feel more comfortable in a French city where many signs will use this word to attract tourists and locals alike. It's a great 'bridge' word between your native language and French.

At the A2 level, you should start using 'le brunch' in complete sentences and understand its social context. You should know that it is typically a Sunday activity. You can use verbs like 'prendre' (to take/have) or 'faire' (to do/make) with it. For example, 'Nous prenons le brunch à midi.' You should also be able to describe what is in a brunch using simple vocabulary like 'des œufs' (eggs), 'du pain' (bread), and 'du café' (coffee). At this level, you might also encounter the verb 'bruncher', which is a regular '-er' verb. You can say 'Je brunche avec mes amis'. You should also be aware that a 'formule brunch' is a set menu with a fixed price. This is very common in French cafés. Understanding the difference between 'le petit-déjeuner' (daily breakfast) and 'le brunch' (special weekend meal) is important for A2 learners to show they understand French lifestyle and habits. You should also be careful with the gender; always use masculine articles and adjectives. If you describe the brunch, you would say 'Le brunch est bon' or 'C'est un grand brunch'. Practice using it when talking about your past weekends using the passé composé: 'Dimanche dernier, j'ai fait un brunch avec ma famille'.

At the B1 level, you can discuss the 'brunch culture' in more detail and express opinions about it. You should be able to compare a traditional French breakfast with a modern brunch. You might use phrases like 'contrairement à' (unlike) or 'tandis que' (while). For example, 'Tandis que le petit-déjeuner traditionnel est rapide, le brunch est un moment de détente qui dure plusieurs heures.' You can also use more specific vocabulary to describe the food, such as 'viennoiseries', 'charcuterie', or 'boissons chaudes'. At this level, you should be comfortable using the word in various tenses, including the future and the conditional: 'Si j'avais le temps, j'organiserais un brunch chez moi.' You might also start to notice the cultural nuances, such as the fact that brunch is often seen as a trendy or 'bobo' (bourgeois-bohème) activity in large cities. You can participate in conversations about the best places to go: 'Selon moi, ce café propose le meilleur brunch du quartier.' You should also be able to understand more complex menu descriptions that include terms like 'à volonté' (all-you-can-eat) or 'produits bio' (organic products). Using 'bruncher' as a verb becomes more natural at this stage, and you can use it in the imperative to invite friends: 'Brunchez avec nous dimanche !'

At the B2 level, you should be able to analyze the impact of 'le brunch' on French culinary traditions. You can discuss how this Anglo-Saxon import has been adapted to French tastes. For instance, you could talk about the 'gallicization' of brunch, where traditional French products like artisanal cheeses or regional jams are featured. You should be able to use the word in more formal or abstract discussions about globalization and lifestyle changes in France. You might use the word in a sentence like: 'L'adoption du brunch témoigne d'une certaine américanisation des modes de vie urbains, tout en préservant l'importance française de la convivialité à table.' Your vocabulary should be rich enough to describe the atmosphere of a brunch place—is it 'branché' (trendy), 'cosy' (cozy), or 'familial' (family-oriented)? You can also handle more complex grammatical structures, such as using 'le brunch' in the subjunctive: 'Il est important que nous trouvions un endroit qui serve le brunch après 14h.' You should also understand the marketing aspect of brunch, such as how restaurants use it to fill their tables on Sunday mornings, which were traditionally quiet. You can discuss the price-quality ratio (le rapport qualité-prix) of various 'formules brunch' in different cities.

At the C1 level, you have a deep understanding of the word 'brunch' within the broader context of French sociolinguistics. You can discuss the nuances of its usage, including how its pronunciation might vary depending on the speaker's social background or level of English proficiency. You can use the word in complex rhetorical structures and academic-style discussions. For example: 'Le brunch ne se résume pas à une simple hybridation alimentaire; il s'inscrit dans une redéfinition temporelle du week-end citadin.' You are familiar with the subtle irony or criticism sometimes directed at 'brunch culture'—the idea that it can be overpriced or overly focused on aesthetics for social media. You can use synonyms and related concepts with precision, distinguishing between a 'brunch décontracté' and a 'brunch gastronomique' hosted by a Michelin-starred chef. You can also explore the etymological journey of the word and its integration into the French language, perhaps comparing it to other anglicisms like 'le week-end' or 'le parking'. Your ability to use the word is now indistinguishable from a native speaker, including the use of the verb 'bruncher' in various idiomatic contexts. You can write reviews or articles about culinary trends where 'le brunch' is a central theme, employing a sophisticated and persuasive tone.

At the C2 level, you possess a masterly command of the term 'brunch' and can use it to explore complex cultural and philosophical themes. You might engage in a critique of how the 'brunch' phenomenon reflects broader shifts in work-life balance and the commercialization of leisure time in contemporary France. You can use the word in highly sophisticated literary or journalistic contexts. For example: 'Dans l'effervescence dominicale de la métropole, le brunch s'érige en véritable autel de la modernité, où le sacré du repas familial cède la place au profane de la consommation ostentatoire.' You are capable of identifying and using the word within various registers, from the most casual slang to the most elevated discourse. You can discuss the evolution of the 'brunch' from a niche expatriate habit to a national phenomenon that influences even the agricultural sector (e.g., the demand for avocados and out-of-season berries). You can also analyze the linguistic resistance to the word in certain circles and the failed attempts to propose French equivalents like 'le petit-déjeuner dînatoire'. Your understanding of 'brunch' is not just about a meal, but about its role as a signifier of class, geography, and cultural identity in the 21st-century Francophone world. You can lead discussions or give presentations on the sociology of food where 'le brunch' serves as a primary case study.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

brunch in 30 Seconds

Brunch is a masculine noun in French used for a late morning meal.
It is a popular Sunday social activity in French cities.
The word is borrowed from English but has a specific French 'formule'.
It often includes a mix of pastries, eggs, and hot drinks.

The French word brunch is a direct loanword from English, referring to a substantial meal that combines elements of both breakfast and lunch. In the French cultural landscape, the brunch has evolved from a foreign curiosity into a cornerstone of modern urban weekend life. Traditionally, the French breakfast (le petit-déjeuner) is quite light, often consisting of just a coffee and a croissant or tartines (bread with butter and jam). Lunch (le déjeuner), conversely, is usually a structured, multi-course affair. The brunch disrupts this traditional rhythm by merging the two into a relaxed, long-duration event that typically takes place on Sundays between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM.

Social Significance: In France, particularly in cities like Paris, Lyon, and Bordeaux, the brunch is more than just a meal; it is a social ritual. It represents the 'grasse matinée' (sleeping in) followed by a convivial gathering with friends or family. It is the antithesis of the rushed weekday morning.

Le dimanche, nous adorons nous retrouver pour un brunch copieux dans le quartier du Marais.

When you see the word brunch on a menu in France, it usually implies a 'formule' (set menu). This formula almost always includes a hot drink (un café, un thé, or un chocolat chaud), a cold fruit juice (often freshly squeezed orange juice), a basket of viennoiseries (pastries), and a savory plate featuring eggs (œufs brouillés or œufs Bénédicte), smoked salmon, or avocado toast.

Est-ce que tu veux bruncher avec nous ce week-end ?

The usage of brunch is predominantly informal to neutral. You wouldn't typically find a formal state dinner referred to as a brunch, but it is perfectly acceptable in professional contexts when discussing weekend plans or corporate 'team-building' events that occur late in the morning.

Cultural Nuance: While the concept is Anglo-Saxon, the ingredients often remain distinctly French. You will see high-quality artisanal breads, French cheeses, and charcuterie integrated into the meal, showcasing the French ability to 'gallicize' foreign concepts.

Ce restaurant propose un brunch à volonté avec des produits du terroir.

Understanding brunch in French requires recognizing that it is a relatively recent addition to the lexicon, popularized mostly in the last twenty to thirty years. It is particularly associated with the 'bobo' (bourgeois-bohème) culture—urban professionals who value leisure and high-quality, often organic, food.

Timing: The timing is crucial. If you eat at 9:00 AM, it is a 'petit-déjeuner'. If you eat at 12:30 PM and have a steak frites, it is a 'déjeuner'. It only becomes a 'brunch' if the menu blends these categories and the timing is mid-morning to early afternoon.

On a fini notre brunch vers quatorze heures.

Le brunch est devenu une institution du dimanche à Paris.

Use the word brunch when you want to sound contemporary and relaxed. It is a word that signals you are part of the modern, globalized French culture while still enjoying the traditional French emphasis on quality ingredients and long, meaningful meals.

Using brunch in French is quite straightforward because it functions as a masculine noun, just like most borrowed English words ending in a consonant. The most common verbs associated with it are faire (to do/make), prendre (to take/have), and organiser (to organize).

Common Verb Pairings: 'Faire un brunch' is the most idiomatic way to say you are having brunch with others. 'Prendre le brunch' is slightly more formal, while the verb 'bruncher' is very common in casual speech.

Nous allons faire un brunch chez Marie dimanche prochain.

When ordering at a restaurant, you will often see 'La formule brunch'. This refers to a fixed-price menu. You might say, 'Je vais prendre la formule brunch, s'il vous plaît.' Since it is a masculine noun, the articles are le, un, or du (some).

Le brunch de cet hôtel est réputé pour ses pâtisseries fraîches.

You can also use adjectives to describe the brunch. Common adjectives include copieux (hearty), délicieux (delicious), sucré-salé (sweet and savory), and fait maison (homemade).

Descriptive Phrases: 'Un brunch tardif' (a late brunch), 'Un brunch en terrasse' (a brunch on the terrace), 'Un brunch en famille' (a family brunch).

C'était un brunch vraiment copieux, je n'ai plus faim pour le dîner.

In terms of syntax, brunch usually appears as the direct object of the sentence. However, it can also follow prepositions like pour or après. For example, 'On se voit pour le brunch ?' (Shall we meet for brunch?) or 'Après le brunch, on ira se promener au parc.' (After brunch, we'll go for a walk in the park).

Il y a souvent du saumon fumé au brunch.

Using the Verb 'Bruncher': Bruncher is a regular -er verb. Je brunche, tu brunches, il brunche, nous brunchons, vous brunchez, ils brunchent. It is very useful for invitations.

On brunche ensemble dimanche ?

J'ai trop mangé en brunchant ce matin.

In more complex sentences, you might see brunch used with the passive voice or in relative clauses: 'Le brunch qui a été servi était exceptionnel.' (The brunch that was served was exceptional). As you progress, you will notice that brunch is often the center of social planning, so practicing it within the context of making plans is highly effective.

You will hear the word brunch most frequently in urban environments and among younger generations or international communities in France. It is a staple of the 'lifestyle' vocabulary. If you are walking through districts like the Canal Saint-Martin or Saint-Germain-des-Prés in Paris on a Sunday morning, you will inevitably hear people discussing where to go for brunch.

In Cafés and Restaurants: Waitstaff will use it when presenting the weekend menu. 'Nous avons une formule brunch aujourd'hui.' Customers will use it when inquiring about availability. 'Est-ce qu'il reste de la place pour le brunch ?'

Le serveur nous a demandé si nous venions pour le brunch ou pour un simple café.

In media and social networks, brunch is ubiquitous. Influencers and bloggers frequently post about 'le meilleur brunch de Paris' or 'un brunch healthy'. It is a keyword for lifestyle content. You will also hear it in television series or movies that depict modern life in France, usually in scenes involving friends catching up on their weekend activities.

J'ai vu une superbe photo de leur brunch sur Instagram.

Another place you will hear it is in hotels. Most mid-to-high-range hotels in France offer a 'brunch dominical' (Sunday brunch) which is often open to non-residents. This is usually a more upscale, buffet-style event.

Regional Variations: While 'brunch' is the standard term nationwide, in some very traditional rural areas, people might still refer to a late morning snack as a 'casse-croûte', though the items served (charcuterie, wine, bread) differ significantly from a modern brunch.

On entend souvent parler de brunch dans les émissions de cuisine à la télé.

You might also hear the term in the context of 'brunch de mariage' (wedding brunch). In France, it is common for the couple to host a more casual meal the day after the wedding for the guests who stayed overnight.

À la radio, ils ont recommandé un nouveau lieu pour le brunch.

Toute la ville semble être au brunch à midi le dimanche.

Ultimately, brunch is a word of leisure. Hearing it usually signifies a break from the routine, an emphasis on pleasure, and a modern approach to the traditional French love for gastronomy.

Despite its simplicity, English speakers and French learners often make several mistakes when using brunch in a French context. The first and most common mistake is the gender. Since the word is borrowed from English, many learners assume it might be feminine or gender-neutral. However, in French, brunch is strictly masculine. Using 'la brunch' or 'une brunch' is a clear marker of a non-native speaker.

Gender Error: Incorrect: 'La brunch était délicieuse.' Correct: 'Le brunch était délicieux.' Note how the adjective 'délicieux' must also agree with the masculine noun.

N'oubliez pas que c'est un brunch et non une brunch.

Another common mistake relates to the timing and cultural expectation. In some English-speaking cultures, brunch can be a very quick meal. In France, if you invite someone for brunch, you are committing to several hours of social interaction. Mistakenly assuming it's a 'grab and go' event can lead to social awkwardness.

On ne dit pas 'manger brunch', mais 'faire un brunch'.

Pronunciation is another area where learners stumble. While you might want to use a perfect American or British 'u' sound, the French often adapt the sound. Trying too hard to sound English while speaking French can sometimes make the word stand out awkwardly. Aim for a sound between the English 'u' and the French 'eu'.

Confusing with 'Déjeuner': Many learners use 'brunch' to describe any lunch eaten on a Sunday. However, a traditional French Sunday lunch (le déjeuner du dimanche) is a very different, more formal affair involving multiple courses like roast chicken or lamb. Don't call a traditional family lunch a 'brunch'.

Attention à ne pas confondre le brunch avec le déjeuner traditionnel.

Using the verb 'bruncher' incorrectly is also possible. Some learners try to say 'faire brunching', which is incorrect. Use the French verb 'bruncher'.

Ils ont passé tout l'après-midi à bruncher.

Finally, be careful with the plural. Like the singular, it follows standard French rules: 'les brunchs'. Some people might forget the 's', but it is required in writing.

Les brunchs de ce café sont toujours complets.

Nous avons testé plusieurs brunchs ce mois-ci.

By avoiding these common pitfalls—especially the gender and the distinction between 'brunch' and traditional 'déjeuner'—you will use the word much more naturally and effectively in conversation.

While brunch is a very specific term, there are several other French words that describe similar eating occasions or aspects of the meal. Understanding these will help you navigate French dining culture more effectively.

Le Petit-déjeuner: This is the standard word for breakfast. It is strictly a morning meal (usually before 10:00 AM) and is typically lighter than a brunch. It focuses mostly on sweet items (pastries, bread, jam).

Contrairement au brunch, le petit-déjeuner français est souvent rapide.

Le Déjeuner: Lunch. It takes place between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM. Unlike brunch, it rarely includes breakfast items like cereal or croissants. It is a savory-focused meal.

Si vous préférez un repas chaud et salé, optez pour le déjeuner plutôt que le brunch.

Le Buffet: Many brunches are served as a buffet. You might hear 'un buffet à volonté' (all-you-can-eat buffet), which is a common format for a hotel brunch.

Ce brunch propose un buffet incroyable avec des huîtres et des desserts.

Le Goûter: Often confused by beginners, the 'goûter' is an afternoon snack (around 4:00 PM), usually for children but also enjoyed by adults. It is strictly sweet and much smaller than a brunch.

Le brunch est beaucoup plus consistant qu'un simple goûter.

Le Casse-croûte: A more rustic term for a snack or a quick meal, often eaten by workers. It doesn't have the trendy or 'sweet-and-savory' connotation of a brunch.

On a pris un brunch chic, loin du traditionnel casse-croûte.

Le brunch est l'alternative parfaite pour ceux qui aiment dormir tard.

In summary, while brunch is the dominant term for this specific weekend meal, knowing words like viennoiseries, formule, and buffet will help you describe the experience more accurately. The word brunch has carved out its own unique space in the French language, sitting between the morning and the afternoon, and between tradition and modernity.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"Nous vous convions à un brunch en l'honneur des mariés."

Neutral

"Le brunch est servi de 11h à 15h."

Informal

"On se fait un petit brunch demain ?"

Child friendly

"Regarde, il y a des crêpes pour le brunch !"

Slang

"J'ai trop la dalle, vivement le brunch."

Fun Fact

The term was first coined by Guy Beringer in 1895 in an article titled 'Brunch: A Plea', where he argued for a meal that would be social, cheerful, and encouraging for those who stayed up late on Saturday nights.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /brʌntʃ/

US /brʌntʃ/

The stress in French is always on the last syllable: brunch.

Rhymes With

lunch punch crunch (used in French marketing) lunchs clutch

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'u' like the French 'u' (as in 'tu').
Pronouncing the 'ch' like a hard 'k'.
Over-emphasizing the 'n' in a nasal way, which it is not in this English loanword.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

The word is identical to English, making it extremely easy to recognize.

Writing 2/5

Easy, but remember the masculine gender and the 's' for plural.

Speaking 2/5

Simple, but try to adapt the pronunciation to sound more French.

Listening 1/5

Easily recognizable in conversation.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

petit-déjeuner déjeuner manger repas dimanche

Learn Next

viennoiserie buffet formule œuf jus

Advanced

convivialité gastronomie bobo citadin dominical

Grammar to Know

Gender of borrowed words

Le brunch, le parking, le week-end (mostly masculine).

Plural of foreign words

Des brunchs (add 's' as in English and standard French).

Verbs from nouns

Brunch (noun) -> Bruncher (verb).

Contractions with 'à'

Au brunch (à + le).

Adjective agreement

Un brunch délicieux / Des brunchs délicieux.

Examples by Level

Je veux un brunch.

I want a brunch.

'Un brunch' is a masculine singular noun.

C'est un bon brunch.

It's a good brunch.

The adjective 'bon' agrees with the masculine noun 'brunch'.

Le brunch est à midi.

The brunch is at noon.

'Le' is the definite masculine article.

Un café pour le brunch.

A coffee for the brunch.

'Pour' is the preposition meaning 'for'.

J'aime le brunch.

I like brunch.

The definite article 'le' is used to express general likes.

C'est dimanche, c'est le brunch !

It's Sunday, it's brunch!

Simple sentence structure using 'c'est'.

Où est le brunch ?

Where is the brunch?

'Où' is the interrogative adverb for 'where'.

Un petit brunch, s'il vous plaît.

A small brunch, please.

'Petit' is the adjective for 'small'.

Nous faisons un brunch dimanche.

We are having a brunch on Sunday.

'Faisons' is the 'nous' form of the verb 'faire'.

Tu veux bruncher avec moi ?

Do you want to have brunch with me?

'Bruncher' is the infinitive verb form.

Le brunch coûte vingt euros.

The brunch costs twenty euros.

'Coûte' is the verb 'coûter' (to cost).

Il y a des œufs au brunch.

There are eggs at the brunch.

'Au' is the contraction of 'à + le'.

Elle adore les brunchs copieux.

She loves hearty brunches.

'Copieux' is the masculine plural adjective.

On va prendre un brunch en terrasse.

We are going to have a brunch on the terrace.

'On va prendre' uses the near future tense.

Le brunch commence à onze heures.

The brunch starts at eleven o'clock.

'Commence' is the verb 'commencer'.

C'est ma formule brunch préférée.

It's my favorite brunch set menu.

'Formule' is feminine, but it describes the brunch.

Le brunch est devenu très populaire à Paris.

Brunch has become very popular in Paris.

'Est devenu' is the passé composé of 'devenir'.

On brunchait souvent quand on habitait là-bas.

We used to have brunch often when we lived there.

'Brunchait' is the imparfait (habitual past action).

Je préfère les brunchs qui proposent du salé.

I prefer brunches that offer savory items.

'Qui' is a relative pronoun.

Si tu viens, on fera un brunch maison.

If you come, we will make a homemade brunch.

'Fera' is the simple future tense.

Le serveur nous a apporté la carte du brunch.

The waiter brought us the brunch menu.

'Nous a apporté' uses an indirect object pronoun.

Ce restaurant est connu pour son brunch à volonté.

This restaurant is known for its all-you-can-eat brunch.

'À volonté' is an idiomatic expression for 'all you can eat'.

Il faut réserver une table pour le brunch de dimanche.

One must reserve a table for Sunday's brunch.

'Il faut' expresses necessity.

Bien que ce soit cher, le brunch en vaut la peine.

Although it is expensive, the brunch is worth it.

'Ce soit' is the subjunctive after 'bien que'.

L'idée du brunch a mis du temps à s'imposer en France.

The idea of brunch took time to establish itself in France.

'A mis du temps' is an idiom for 'took time'.

Le brunch dominical est l'occasion de se retrouver en famille.

Sunday brunch is the opportunity to meet up as a family.

'Dominical' is the adjective for 'Sunday'.

Certains critiquent le brunch pour son côté trop commercial.

Some criticize brunch for its overly commercial side.

'Critiquent' is the verb 'critiquer'.

Il est rare de trouver un brunch authentique en province.

It is rare to find an authentic brunch in the provinces.

'En province' refers to anywhere in France outside Paris.

La formule brunch inclut généralement une boisson chaude et un jus.

The brunch formula generally includes a hot drink and a juice.

'Généralement' is an adverb of frequency.

Nous avons brunché tout l'après-midi au bord de l'eau.

We had brunch all afternoon by the water.

'Tout l'après-midi' indicates duration.

Le brunch permet de casser la routine de la semaine.

Brunch allows one to break the weekly routine.

'Permet de' followed by an infinitive.

Quel que soit le menu, le brunch reste un moment convivial.

Whatever the menu, brunch remains a convivial moment.

'Quel que soit' is a subjunctive structure meaning 'whatever'.

Le brunch s'est démocratisé au point de devenir incontournable.

Brunch has become democratized to the point of becoming essential.

'S'est démocratisé' is a pronominal verb in the past.

L'esthétique du brunch prime souvent sur la qualité gustative.

The aesthetics of brunch often take precedence over the taste quality.

'Prime sur' means 'takes precedence over'.

On assiste à une véritable surenchère dans l'offre de brunchs à Paris.

We are witnessing a real escalation in the offer of brunches in Paris.

'Surenchère' means 'outdoing' or 'escalation'.

Le brunch fait désormais partie intégrante du paysage gastronomique.

Brunch is now an integral part of the gastronomic landscape.

'Désormais' means 'from now on' or 'now'.

Il n'est pas rare que le brunch soit servi sous forme de buffet thématique.

It is not uncommon for brunch to be served as a themed buffet.

Subjunctive 'soit' after 'il n'est pas rare que'.

Le brunch permet de concilier grasse matinée et plaisirs de la table.

Brunch allows one to reconcile sleeping in and the pleasures of the table.

'Concilier' means 'to reconcile' or 'to combine'.

L'influence anglo-saxonne est palpable dans chaque brunch parisien.

The Anglo-Saxon influence is palpable in every Parisian brunch.

'Palpable' is a sophisticated adjective for 'noticeable'.

Le concept de brunch a su séduire une clientèle urbaine et exigeante.

The concept of brunch has managed to seduce an urban and demanding clientele.

'A su' means 'has managed to' in this context.

Le brunch est le paroxysme de la décontraction dominicale.

Brunch is the pinnacle of Sunday relaxation.

'Paroxysme' is a high-level word for 'pinnacle'.

La sémantique du mot 'brunch' a évolué vers une acception plus large.

The semantics of the word 'brunch' has evolved towards a broader meaning.

'Acception' refers to a particular meaning of a word.

Le brunch s'inscrit dans une logique de consommation ostentatoire.

Brunch is part of a logic of conspicuous consumption.

'Consommation ostentatoire' is a sociological term.

On pourrait voir dans le brunch une transgression des rites alimentaires.

One could see in brunch a transgression of dietary rites.

'Transgression' implies breaking traditional rules.

Le brunch transcende les clivages entre le petit-déjeuner et le déjeuner.

Brunch transcends the divides between breakfast and lunch.

'Transcende' means 'to go beyond' or 'surpass'.

L'hégémonie du brunch le dimanche semble désormais incontestée.

The hegemony of brunch on Sundays now seems undisputed.

'Hégémonie' is a sophisticated word for 'dominance'.

Le brunch est devenu un vecteur de sociabilisation incontournable.

Brunch has become an essential vehicle for socialization.

'Vecteur' is used metaphorically for 'means' or 'vehicle'.

L'offre pléthorique de brunchs témoigne de la vitalité de ce créneau.

The plethora of brunch offers testifies to the vitality of this niche.

'Pléthorique' means 'excessive' or 'abundant'.

Common Collocations

faire un brunch

prendre le brunch

formule brunch

brunch copieux

brunch dominical

brunch à volonté

brunch en terrasse

bruncher en famille

inviter au brunch

menu brunch

Common Phrases

On se fait un brunch ?

— A very common way to suggest having brunch with friends.

On se fait un brunch dimanche vers midi ?

Bruncher sur le pouce

— To have a quick brunch, although this is somewhat contradictory to the nature of brunch.

On n'a pas le temps, on va bruncher sur le pouce.

Un brunch healthy

— A trendy phrase for a brunch focusing on healthy, organic, or vegetarian food.

Ce café propose un brunch healthy avec beaucoup de fruits.

Le brunch est servi

— The standard way for a waiter or host to announce the meal.

Messieurs-dames, le brunch est servi !

Après le brunch

— Referring to the activities planned for the rest of the day.

Après le brunch, on pourrait aller au cinéma.

Un brunch entre amis

— Specifying the social group for the meal.

C'est l'endroit idéal pour un brunch entre amis.

Bruncher tard

— Emphasizing the late timing of the meal.

On a brunché très tard, vers 14 heures.

Le meilleur brunch de la ville

— A common superlative used in reviews.

Ce restaurant sert le meilleur brunch de la ville.

Un brunch fait maison

— Emphasizing that the food was prepared at home, not bought.

Elle nous a préparé un brunch fait maison délicieux.

Bruncher en amoureux

— Having brunch as a romantic couple.

On a passé un dimanche tranquille à bruncher en amoureux.

Often Confused With

brunch vs le goûter

Le goûter is an afternoon snack, strictly sweet and smaller.

brunch vs le déjeuner

Le déjeuner is a standard lunch, usually savory and earlier.

brunch vs le petit-déjeuner

Le petit-déjeuner is early breakfast, usually lighter and only sweet.

Idioms & Expressions

"Avoir un brunch sur la planche"

— A play on 'avoir du pain sur la planche' (to have a lot of work), used humorously when there is a lot of brunch food to eat.

Avec tout ce buffet, on a du brunch sur la planche !

informal

"Bruncher comme quatre"

— A play on 'manger comme quatre' (to eat like four people), meaning to eat a very large amount at brunch.

Il avait tellement faim qu'il a brunché comme quatre.

informal

"Le brunch de la dernière chance"

— Humorous term for a brunch eaten after a very late night out to recover.

C'était notre brunch de la dernière chance après la fête d'hier.

slang

"Pas de brunch, pas de chocolat"

— A play on the joke 'pas de bras, pas de chocolat', used to say that if you don't come to brunch, you miss out on the treats.

Tu ne viens pas ? Pas de brunch, pas de chocolat !

informal

"C'est le brunch qui se moque de la charcuterie"

— A play on 'c'est l'hôpital qui se moque de la charité', used when someone criticizes a brunch for being too heavy while they are eating a lot themselves.

Tu dis que c'est trop gras ? C'est le brunch qui se moque de la charcuterie !

informal

"Vendre son âme pour un brunch"

— To be willing to do anything for a good meal.

Je vendrais mon âme pour un brunch au Plaza Athénée.

informal

"Bruncher à s'en faire sauter la sous-ventrière"

— To eat so much at brunch that your belt might burst.

On a brunché à s'en faire sauter la sous-ventrière.

old-fashioned/humorous

"Un brunch qui ne casse pas trois pattes à un canard"

— A brunch that is nothing special or mediocre.

Franchement, leur brunch ne casse pas trois pattes à un canard.

informal

"Être dans le brunch"

— To be fully immersed in the weekend relaxation mode.

Laisse-moi tranquille, je suis encore dans le brunch.

slang

"Mettre les petits brunchs dans les grands"

— A play on 'mettre les petits plats dans les grands', meaning to go all out and prepare a magnificent brunch.

Pour ton anniversaire, on va mettre les petits brunchs dans les grands.

informal

Easily Confused

brunch vs luncher

Sounds like bruncher.

Luncher is rarely used in France (they say 'déjeuner'), while 'bruncher' is very common.

On va déjeuner (not luncher).

brunch vs petit-déjeuner dînatoire

Similar concept.

This is a more formal and older term, whereas 'brunch' is modern and trendy.

C'est un petit-déjeuner dînatoire très élégant.

brunch vs buffet

Brunch is often a buffet.

A buffet can be for any meal (dinner, lunch), while brunch is specific to the late morning.

Le brunch est servi sous forme de buffet.

brunch vs casse-croûte

Both are meals outside of standard times.

Casse-croûte is rustic and simple; brunch is often sophisticated and varied.

Il a pris un casse-croûte au travail.

brunch vs collation

Both are non-standard meals.

A collation is usually very light; a brunch is very heavy.

Une légère collation avant le brunch.

Sentence Patterns

C'est un [adjective] brunch.

C'est un bon brunch.

On fait un brunch [time]?

On fait un brunch dimanche ?

Je préfère bruncher quand [condition].

Je préfère bruncher quand il fait beau.

Le brunch est [adjective] mais [adjective].

Le brunch est cher mais délicieux.

Bien que je n'aie pas faim, je vais [verb].

Bien que je n'aie pas faim, je vais bruncher.

C'est l'occasion idéale pour [infinitive].

C'est l'occasion idéale pour faire un brunch.

L'offre de brunchs s'est [verb] ces dernières années.

L'offre de brunchs s'est diversifiée ces dernières années.

Le brunch fait office de [noun].

Le brunch fait office de rituel social.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in urban areas, medium in rural areas.

Common Mistakes

la brunch → le brunch
Brunch is a masculine noun. Using the feminine article is a very common mistake for beginners.
Je mange brunch. → Je prends un brunch. / Je fais un brunch.
In French, you need an article before the noun. You can't use 'brunch' as a bare noun after 'manger'.
On lunch dimanche ? → On brunch dimanche ?
Learners sometimes confuse 'lunch' (which is not a verb in French) with 'brunch'. Use 'bruncher' or 'déjeuner'.
un brunch de 8h du matin → un petit-déjeuner
A meal at 8 AM is too early to be called a brunch. Brunch starts later, usually after 10:30 AM.
un brunch rapide → un brunch (implied long)
While not grammatically wrong, 'un brunch rapide' is a cultural oxymoron in France. Brunches are by definition long.

Tips

The Viennoiserie Factor

A real French brunch must have high-quality pastries. If the croissants are not good, the brunch is considered a failure by French standards.

Think Masculine

Always remember 'le brunch'. Associating it with other masculine English words like 'le week-end' or 'le jet-ski' can help.

Take Your Time

Don't rush a brunch in France. It's meant to be a slow social event. Plan for at least two hours.

Learn Your Eggs

Learn the words for eggs: 'œufs brouillés' (scrambled), 'œufs au plat' (fried), 'œufs pochés' (poached). They are brunch staples.

Check the Hours

Brunch is usually only served from 11:00 to 15:00. If you arrive at 10:00, you might only get a standard breakfast menu.

Use 'Bruncher'

Using the verb 'bruncher' instead of 'faire un brunch' makes you sound much more comfortable with modern French.

English Roots

Remembering it's a portmanteau of Breakfast and Lunch helps you remember it's a hybrid meal.

The French 'R'

Practice saying 'brunch' with the French guttural 'r' to sound more authentic.

Instagrammable

In big cities, brunch is often about the 'look' of the food. Many places compete for the most beautiful presentation.

Formule vs. A la Carte

The 'formule' is usually a better deal than ordering items individually. Always look for the 'formule' price.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Breakfast' and 'LUNCH' meeting in the middle. In French, just add 'le' to make it a French noun: LE BRUNCH.

Visual Association

Imagine a croissant (French) sitting next to a plate of bacon and eggs (English). This hybrid plate is 'le brunch'.

Word Web

œuf croissant dimanche café jus d'orange saumon amis terrasse

Challenge

Try to describe your ideal brunch menu in French using at least five different food items and the verb 'bruncher'.

Word Origin

The word 'brunch' is a portmanteau of 'breakfast' and 'lunch'. It originated in England in the late 19th century.

Original meaning: A late-morning meal for 'Saturday-night carousers'.

Germanic (English origin).

Cultural Context

In very traditional or rural French circles, 'brunch' might be seen as an unnecessary Americanism, but it is generally well-received and not offensive.

Brunch is a long-standing tradition in the UK and USA, often associated with cocktails like Mimosas or Bloody Marys, a trend that is also catching on in France.

Many French lifestyle influencers on YouTube and Instagram dedicated whole videos to 'Les meilleurs brunchs de Paris'. The movie 'LOL' (2008) depicts modern French teenagers and their families engaging in these contemporary social rituals.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At a restaurant

Est-ce que vous servez le brunch ?
Quelle est la formule brunch ?
Une table pour deux pour le brunch, s'il vous plaît.
Le brunch est-il à volonté ?

Inviting friends

Ça vous dit de bruncher dimanche ?
Je vous invite pour un brunch à la maison.
On se retrouve où pour le brunch ?
À quelle heure on commence le brunch ?

Describing food

Le brunch était excellent.
Il y avait beaucoup de choix au brunch.
C'est un brunch très copieux.
J'ai adoré les œufs du brunch.

In a hotel

Le brunch est-il inclus dans le prix de la chambre ?
À quelle heure finit le brunch ?
Où est servi le brunch dominical ?
Puis-je inviter des amis au brunch de l'hôtel ?

Social Media

Photo de notre brunch dominical.
Meilleur brunch de la semaine !
Passion brunch.
Dimanche rime avec brunch.

Conversation Starters

"Quel est ton endroit préféré pour faire un brunch à Paris ?"

"Tu préfères le brunch sucré ou le brunch salé ?"

"Est-ce que tu aimes bruncher tard le dimanche ?"

"Qu'est-ce que tu prépares quand tu organises un brunch chez toi ?"

"Est-ce que tu penses que le brunch est trop cher en France ?"

Journal Prompts

Décris ton brunch idéal. Quels aliments y a-t-il sur la table ?

Raconte ton dernier brunch avec tes amis ou ta famille.

Pourquoi penses-tu que le brunch est devenu si populaire en France ?

Est-ce que tu préfères le petit-déjeuner traditionnel ou le brunch ? Pourquoi ?

Imagine que tu ouvres un restaurant de brunch. Quel serait le nom et le menu ?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, 'brunch' is extremely common, especially in large cities and among people under 50. It has been fully integrated into the language and culture, especially as a Sunday ritual. You will see it on many restaurant menus.

It is always masculine: 'le brunch'. This is a common rule for English loanwords in French. For example, 'un brunch copieux', 'le brunch est prêt'.

Yes, 'bruncher' is a very common verb. It is a regular -er verb used to describe the act of having brunch. Example: 'Nous avons brunché pendant trois heures.'

A French brunch usually includes a 'boisson chaude' (coffee/tea), 'jus de fruits', 'viennoiseries' (croissants), 'tartines' (bread/jam), and savory items like 'œufs brouillés' (scrambled eggs), 'saumon fumé', or 'charcuterie'.

A 'formule brunch' is a set-price menu offered by restaurants. It usually includes several courses (sweet and savory) and drinks for a fixed price, often between 20 and 40 euros.

While Sunday is the traditional day for brunch in France, many trendy cafés now offer it on Saturdays as well. However, it is rarely served on weekdays.

Most French people pronounce it similarly to the English word, but with a French 'r'. Some might pronounce the 'u' more like 'oe' (as in 'oeuf') and the 'ch' as a soft 'sh'.

Yes, 'brunch' is used in Quebec, though you might also hear 'déjeuner-dîner'. However, 'brunch' is universally understood and very popular there too.

It is generally considered informal or neutral. It's a relaxed meal. However, some luxury hotels offer very formal and expensive 'brunchs gastronomiques'.

In French, 'brunch' usually implies a mix of sweet and savory. If you just have a coffee and croissant at 11 AM, people would more likely call it a 'petit-déjeuner tardif'.