When you're dining out in France, you might see "hors boisson" on a menu. This literally translates to "outside drinks" or "excluding drinks."
It means that the price advertised, perhaps for a set menu (un menu fixe) or a special, does not include any beverages. You'll need to pay extra for water, wine, soda, or coffee.
So, if a menu says "25€ hors boisson," be prepared for an additional charge for your drink order. It's a common term to be aware of when budgeting for your meal.
When you're dining out in France, you might see “hors boisson” on a menu. This literally translates to “outside drink,” meaning that the listed price for the meal does not include any beverages. It’s important to understand this phrase to avoid any surprises when the bill arrives.
Many French restaurants offer a “menu du jour” (menu of the day) or a “formule” (set menu) at a fixed price. Often, this fixed price covers the food courses (starter, main, dessert) but explicitly states “hors boisson” to indicate that drinks will be an additional cost. This applies to water, soft drinks, wine, or coffee.
It’s always a good idea to clarify if you’re unsure, especially if you’re on a budget. You can ask, “Est-ce que les boissons sont incluses?” (Are drinks included?) or simply confirm, “Hors boisson, n'est-ce pas?” (Not including drinks, right?).
Understanding “hors boisson” helps you navigate French dining experiences more smoothly. It’s a common and practical term that you'll encounter frequently, so knowing its meaning will definitely enhance your confidence when ordering.
Fun Fact
The term 'hors d'œuvre' (appetizer) shares a similar construction, meaning 'outside the main work' or 'preliminary dish'.
Often Confused With
While 'sans boisson' means 'without a drink', 'hors boisson' specifically refers to drinks not being included in a set price or package.
This is the direct opposite: 'boisson comprise' means drinks ARE included in the price.
'À part' is a more general term for 'separately'. 'Hors boisson' is a specific application of this concept to drinks in a pricing context.
Easily Confused
Many learners assume 'hors boisson' means 'without drinks' in a general sense, or that drinks are simply not available. However, in a pricing context, it specifically means that drinks are not part of the set price.
It implies drinks are available but charged separately, rather than being completely absent or complimentary. It's often seen on menus or package deals.
Le menu est à 25€, hors boisson. (The set menu is €25, drinks not included.)
This can be confused with 'hors boisson' due to the similar structure. Learners might mix up which one includes drinks and which doesn't.
'Boisson comprise' means drinks are included in the price, the opposite of 'hors boisson'.
Le plat du jour est à 15€, boisson comprise. (The dish of the day is €15, drinks included.)
This phrase literally means 'without drink', which can seem similar to 'hors boisson'. Learners might use them interchangeably.
'Sans boisson' is more general and can mean literally not having a drink, or ordering a meal without one. 'Hors boisson' is a specific pricing term.
Je prends le repas sans boisson. (I'll take the meal without a drink.)
When used in a pricing context, 'à part' can also mean 'separately'. Learners might wonder when to use 'hors boisson' versus 'à part'.
'À part' is a more general term for 'separately' and can apply to anything. 'Hors boisson' is specific to drinks in a pricing scenario.
Les desserts sont à part. (Desserts are separate/extra.)
This phrase means 'as an extra charge' or 'additionally'. Learners might confuse its usage with 'hors boisson' when referring to items not included in a base price.
'En supplément' indicates something is an additional cost. 'Hors boisson' specifically states drinks are not part of the initial price, implying they will be 'en supplément' if ordered.
La salade est en supplément. (The salad is an extra charge.)
Tips
Context is key for 'hors boisson'
When you see 'hors boisson' on a menu, it means that the drinks are not included in the price of the meal. This is common in French restaurants, especially with set menus (menus du jour).
Recognize 'hors'
The word 'hors' means outside or except. You'll encounter it in other phrases like 'hors service' (out of order) or 'hors ligne' (offline). Understanding 'hors' helps decipher similar phrases.
Look for alternatives
If 'hors boisson' is specified, there might be a menu option that does include drinks, often called 'menu tout compris' (all-inclusive menu) or 'formule avec boisson'. Always check the menu carefully.
Ask for clarification
Don't hesitate to ask your server 'Est-ce que les boissons sont incluses?' (Are the drinks included?) if you're unsure. It's better to ask than to be surprised by the bill.
Cultural norm: drinks extra
In France, it's very common for the price of a meal to not include drinks. This differs from some other cultures where drinks are often part of a set meal price.
Avoid bill surprises
Ignoring 'hors boisson' can lead to a higher bill than expected. Always budget for drinks separately when you see this phrase.
Practice reading menus
Actively read French menus online or in restaurants. Look for phrases like 'hors boisson' to familiarize yourself with how they are used in a real-world context.
Related vocabulary: 'boisson comprise'
The opposite of 'hors boisson' is 'boisson comprise' (drinks included). Knowing both will help you quickly understand menu offerings.
Understand set menus
Many French restaurants offer 'formules' or 'menus' which are set meals. 'Hors boisson' almost always applies to these. If you order 'à la carte' (individual dishes), drinks are always extra.
Visualize the situation
Imagine yourself in a French restaurant, seeing 'Menu du Jour: 15€ (hors boisson)'. This visualization helps cement the meaning and the practical implication of the phrase.
Word Origin
From Old French 'hors' (outside) and 'boisson' (drink).
Original meaning: Outside of drink/not a drink.
Indo-European, Romance, Italic.Cultural Context
<p>In France, especially in restaurants and hotels, you'll frequently see 'hors boisson' on menus or price lists. This simply means that the listed price for a meal or accommodation does not include any beverages. You'll need to pay extra for water, wine, soda, or coffee. It's a common practice, so always assume drinks are separate unless explicitly stated otherwise.</p>
Test Yourself 12 questions
This sentence means 'The price is without drinks.'
This sentence means 'Menu for ten euros, drinks not included.'
This sentence means 'It's without drinks, please.'
This means drinks are extra.
Listen for what is not covered.
Some drinks were not included in the 'all-inclusive' package.
Read this aloud:
Le prix affiché comprend l'hébergement et les repas, mais les boissons sont hors boisson.
Focus: hors boisson
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
N'oubliez pas que l'eau en bouteille et les sodas sont hors boisson dans notre formule demi-pension.
Focus: demi-pension
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Nous avons choisi un forfait avec toutes les prestations incluses, mais à notre surprise, le café et le thé étaient hors boisson.
Focus: prestations incluses
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
/ 12 correct
Perfect score!
Context is key for 'hors boisson'
When you see 'hors boisson' on a menu, it means that the drinks are not included in the price of the meal. This is common in French restaurants, especially with set menus (menus du jour).
Recognize 'hors'
The word 'hors' means outside or except. You'll encounter it in other phrases like 'hors service' (out of order) or 'hors ligne' (offline). Understanding 'hors' helps decipher similar phrases.
Look for alternatives
If 'hors boisson' is specified, there might be a menu option that does include drinks, often called 'menu tout compris' (all-inclusive menu) or 'formule avec boisson'. Always check the menu carefully.
Ask for clarification
Don't hesitate to ask your server 'Est-ce que les boissons sont incluses?' (Are the drinks included?) if you're unsure. It's better to ask than to be surprised by the bill.
Related Content
More food words
à base de
B1Made from; based on.
à la boulangerie
A2At the bakery.
à la carte
A2À la carte; ordering individual dishes from a menu.
à la charcuterie
A2At the deli; where cold meats and prepared foods are sold.
à la coque
A2Soft-boiled (for eggs).
à la demande
B1On demand; upon request.
à la poêle
A2Cooked in a frying pan; pan-fried.
à la poissonnerie
A2At the fishmonger's; where fresh fish is sold.
à la vapeur
A2Cooked by steam; steamed.
à l'apéritif
B1As an aperitif, served before a meal.
