par portion in 30 Seconds
- Indicates 'per serving' or 'for each individual amount'.
- Used for food quantities, costs, and nutrition.
- Common on recipes, menus, and food labels.
- Focuses on the individual unit of consumption.
The French phrase 'par portion' directly translates to 'per portion' or 'for each serving' in English. It is commonly used in contexts related to food, cooking, nutrition, and dining. When you see or hear 'par portion,' it's indicating a quantity, cost, or nutritional value that applies to a single, individual serving of something.
- Label
- This phrase is particularly useful when discussing recipes where ingredients need to be divided equally among servings, or when calculating the nutritional content of a meal. For instance, a recipe might state the number of calories 'par portion,' meaning the calorie count for one person's serving.
- Label
- In restaurants, menus might list prices 'par portion' for shared dishes or appetizers, indicating the cost for one individual's share. This helps diners understand how costs are distributed when sharing food.
- Label
- It's also frequently found on packaged food items, especially in Europe, where nutritional information is often detailed per serving. This allows consumers to make informed choices about their dietary intake. The phrase emphasizes the individual unit of consumption, making it a precise way to convey information about quantities and values.
Le prix est de 5 euros par portion.
Chaque personne reçoit une part égale par portion.
Using 'par portion' in a sentence is straightforward, as it functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a quantity, cost, or measurement. It always follows the noun or concept it's specifying. You'll most often see it in contexts related to food preparation, dining out, and nutritional information. For example, when discussing a recipe, you might say: 'This cake recipe yields 12 slices, with approximately 300 calories par portion.' This clearly indicates that each individual slice contains 300 calories.
- Label
- In a restaurant setting, a waiter might inform you, 'The cheese platter is 15 euros par portion for a shared appetizer,' meaning each person who partakes in the appetizer will be charged 15 euros. This clarifies the pricing structure for shared items.
- Label
- When looking at nutritional labels on food packaging, you'll frequently find information like 'Lipides: 10g par portion' (Fat: 10g per portion). This helps consumers track their intake of specific nutrients on an individual serving basis.
- Label
- You can also use it to discuss portion control. For instance, 'I try to keep my pasta intake to about 100 grams par portion to manage my carbohydrate intake.' This shows a personal application of the concept.
- Label
- In catering or event planning, it might be used to specify costs: 'The buffet price is 35 euros par personne, which includes unlimited servings.' While 'par personne' (per person) is more common here, the concept of a per-serving basis is implied.
Le coût du plat principal est de 22 euros par portion.
Il y a environ 250 calories par portion dans ce dessert.
You will encounter 'par portion' most frequently in everyday settings related to food and dining in French-speaking countries. The most common place to hear or see it is on food packaging, particularly in the nutrition information section. Manufacturers are required to provide details about ingredients, calories, fats, sugars, and other nutritional components, and this information is typically broken down 'par portion' to help consumers manage their intake. This allows individuals to understand the nutritional impact of a single serving of a product, rather than just the total content of the package.
- Label
- In restaurants, especially those that focus on specific dietary needs or offer set menus, you might hear servers or see on menus the price or components 'par portion.' This is common for appetizers, desserts, or even main courses that can be ordered individually. For example, a tasting menu might list its price 'par personne,' but a shared starter could be priced 'par portion.'
- Label
- Cookbooks and recipe websites are another significant source. Recipes often specify yields and nutritional information 'par portion.' This is crucial for home cooks who want to accurately track their calorie intake or adjust recipes for a different number of servings. For instance, a recipe for a large cake might state 'environ 350 calories par portion' (approximately 350 calories per serving).
- Label
- In a more general context, discussions about health and diet often involve this phrase. A nutritionist might advise a patient to limit their intake of certain foods 'par portion,' emphasizing mindful eating and portion control. This phrase is embedded in the language of health-conscious individuals and professionals.
- Label
- Even in casual conversations about food, French speakers might use it. If someone is describing a large meal they had, they might say, 'J'ai mangé beaucoup, mais c'était délicieux, surtout le dessert par portion.' This implies they enjoyed each individual serving of dessert.
Le guide nutritionnel indique 120 calories par portion pour ces biscuits.
Le menu propose des tapas, chaque assiette est à 8 euros par portion.
Learners of French might make a few common mistakes when using or interpreting 'par portion.' One frequent error is to confuse it with 'par personne' (per person). While often interchangeable in meaning, 'par portion' specifically refers to a serving of food or a dish, whereas 'par personne' refers to an individual human being. For example, if a restaurant charges 10 euros 'par portion' for a shared appetizer, it means each person eating that appetizer pays 10 euros. If they charged 10 euros 'par personne' for the appetizer, it would mean the same thing in this context. However, if a hotel charges 50 euros 'par personne' for a room, it means per individual, not per serving of anything.
- Label
- Another mistake can be misinterpreting the scope of 'portion.' 'Portion' refers to a serving size, which might be a slice of cake, a bowl of soup, or a scoop of ice cream. If a recipe states 'add 100 grams of sugar par portion,' and the recipe yields 8 portions, then each portion gets 100 grams, totaling 800 grams for the whole recipe. Someone might mistakenly think it means 100 grams for the entire recipe.
- Label
- A grammatical error could involve incorrect placement. 'Par portion' typically follows the noun or numerical value it modifies. Saying 'Par portion, le gâteau coûte 5 euros' is less natural than 'Le gâteau coûte 5 euros par portion.' The latter clearly links the price to each serving of the cake.
- Label
- Furthermore, learners might sometimes omit 'par' and just say 'portion' when they mean 'per portion.' For example, in English, we might say 'The serving size is 100g.' In French, if you want to be precise about it being a rate, you'd use 'par portion.' Simply saying 'La taille de la portion est 100g' is also correct and common, but 'par portion' adds specificity, especially when discussing costs or nutritional values that are calculated this way.
- Label
- Finally, overgeneralization can occur. While 'par portion' is common in food contexts, it's less likely to be used for non-food items unless they are conceptually divided into servings, like a course in a lecture series or a segment of a larger project. Using it inappropriately for unrelated items can lead to confusion.
Incorrect: Le prix est 10 euros portion.
Correct: Le prix est 10 euros par portion.
While 'par portion' is specific and widely used, there are related terms and alternatives in French that convey similar meanings, depending on the context. The most direct synonym is 'par unité', which means 'per unit.' This is a more general term that can apply to any item that is sold or measured in individual units, not just food. For instance, if you're buying pens, the price might be listed as '1 euro par unité,' meaning one euro for each pen.
- Label
- 'Par personne', meaning 'per person,' is also very common and often overlaps with 'par portion,' especially when referring to meals or services intended for individuals. If a restaurant states 'prix par personne,' it usually implies a per-serving cost for a meal. However, 'par personne' can also refer to a charge for an individual's attendance at an event, regardless of specific food portions.
- Label
- In recipes, you might see 'pour X personnes', meaning 'for X people.' This indicates the total yield of the recipe, and implicitly, how the ingredients should be divided. If a recipe says 'pour 4 personnes' and calls for 800g of pasta, then each person's portion is 200g.
- Label
- When discussing the size of a serving itself, you might use 'une portion de X grammes' or 'une portion de X calories.' This describes the serving rather than stating a rate. For example, 'une portion de 150 grammes' describes the weight of one serving.
- Label
- In the context of bulk purchasing or wholesale, you might encounter terms like 'au kilo' (per kilogram) or 'au litre' (per liter), which are pricing structures based on weight or volume, not individual servings.
- Label
- Finally, for specific food items that are typically sold individually, like a pastry or a single piece of fruit, the price is often just stated without 'par portion,' as it's implied. For example, 'un croissant coûte 1 euro' means one euro for one croissant.
'Par portion' vs. 'Par unité': Le pain est vendu 2 euros par portion (e.g., a loaf) or 2 euros par unité (e.g., a single roll).
'Par portion' vs. 'Par personne': Le menu fixe est à 30 euros par personne, tandis que le dessert spécial est à 10 euros par portion.
How Formal Is It?
""
""
""
""
Fun Fact
The concept of dividing things into portions or shares is ancient and has evolved across many languages and cultures. The use of 'par' to indicate a rate or division is a common grammatical structure in French.
Pronunciation Guide
Difficulty Rating
This phrase is encountered frequently in written materials related to food, making it relatively easy to recognize and understand for learners at the A2 level and above. Its meaning is usually clear from context.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Prepositional phrases indicating rate or division (e.g., par, pour, de).
Le prix est de 5 euros par portion. (The price is 5 euros per portion.)
Using 'il y a' to state quantities.
Il y a 100 calories par portion. (There are 100 calories per portion.)
Adjective agreement with nouns.
Une grosse portion (a large portion). Les petites portions sont plus saines. (Small portions are healthier.)
Passive voice for describing how things are sold or priced.
Le gâteau est vendu par portion. (The cake is sold by the portion.)
Infinitive clauses to express purpose or recommendation.
Il faut manger par portion raisonnable. (One must eat in reasonable portions.)
Examples by Level
Un jus par portion.
One juice per serving.
Simple noun + prepositional phrase.
Le gâteau est petit par portion.
The cake is small per portion.
Adjective modifying the noun implied by 'portion'.
Dix grammes par portion.
Ten grams per portion.
Quantity + unit + prepositional phrase.
C'est bon par portion.
It's good per portion.
General statement about a serving.
Une petite portion.
A small portion.
Adjective + noun. 'Par' is implied for context.
Combien par portion ?
How much per portion?
Question asking for rate per serving.
Beaucoup par portion.
A lot per portion.
Quantity + prepositional phrase.
Moins par portion.
Less per portion.
Comparative quantity + prepositional phrase.
Le prix est de 5 euros par portion.
The price is 5 euros per portion.
Subject + verb + cost + 'par portion'.
Il y a 200 calories par portion.
There are 200 calories per portion.
Existence ('Il y a') + quantity + 'par portion'.
Chaque personne reçoit une part par portion.
Each person receives a share per portion.
'Chaque personne' + verb + 'une part' + 'par portion'.
Nous avons coupé le gâteau par portion.
We cut the cake by portion.
Subject + verb + object + 'par portion' (indicating method).
La recette fait 6 portions, donc X par portion.
The recipe makes 6 portions, so X per portion.
Statement about yield + 'donc' + quantity 'par portion'.
Ce plat est assez grand pour deux par portion.
This dish is big enough for two per portion.
Subject + adjective + 'pour deux' + 'par portion'.
J'ai besoin de savoir la valeur nutritive par portion.
I need to know the nutritional value per portion.
Subject + verb + object + 'par portion'.
Le buffet est facturé 15 euros par portion.
The buffet is charged 15 euros per portion.
Subject + passive verb + cost + 'par portion'.
Pour une alimentation équilibrée, il est conseillé de respecter la taille des portions recommandées par portion.
For a balanced diet, it is advisable to respect the recommended portion size per portion.
Complex sentence structure with infinitive clauses and emphasis on 'portion'.
Le restaurateur a décidé de réduire la quantité de pâtes servie par portion pour maîtriser ses coûts.
The restaurateur decided to reduce the quantity of pasta served per portion to control his costs.
Past tense, infinitive clause for purpose, 'par portion' modifying 'servie'.
Les informations nutritionnelles sur l'emballage sont généralement exprimées par portion, ce qui peut être trompeur si la portion est trop petite.
The nutritional information on the packaging is generally expressed per portion, which can be misleading if the portion is too small.
Subordinate clauses, relative pronouns, and conditional aspect.
Afin de calculer le budget pour le dîner, nous devons estimer le coût moyen par portion.
In order to calculate the budget for the dinner, we must estimate the average cost per portion.
Infinitive phrase of purpose, modal verb, 'par portion' modifying 'coût moyen'.
Le chef a présenté son nouveau plat, en expliquant que chaque ingrédient avait été choisi pour sa contribution à la saveur par portion.
The chef presented his new dish, explaining that each ingredient had been chosen for its contribution to the flavor per portion.
Past participle, gerund phrase, possessive adjectives, 'par portion' modifying 'saveur'.
Pour des raisons de santé publique, les autorités sanitaires recommandent de limiter la consommation de sucres ajoutés par portion.
For public health reasons, health authorities recommend limiting the consumption of added sugars per portion.
Prepositional phrases indicating reason and scope, infinitive clause.
Le traiteur propose des formules personnalisées, avec un tarif ajusté par portion selon les ingrédients choisis.
The caterer offers personalized formulas, with a price adjusted per portion according to the chosen ingredients.
Noun phrases, passive voice, prepositional phrases indicating condition.
Il est essentiel de bien comprendre ce que représente une portion standard pour éviter les excès, surtout lorsque les indications sont données par portion.
It is essential to understand well what a standard portion represents to avoid excesses, especially when the indications are given per portion.
Impersonal expression, infinitive clauses, subordinate clauses, emphasis on 'par portion'.
L'étiquetage nutritionnel, lorsqu'il est clairement indiqué par portion, permet aux consommateurs de mieux appréhender leur apport calorique et macro-nutritionnel.
Nutritional labeling, when clearly indicated per portion, allows consumers to better grasp their caloric and macro-nutritional intake.
Complex sentence with participial phrase, relative clause, and advanced vocabulary.
Dans le cadre d'une étude diététique, les chercheurs ont analysé la composition de divers plats préparés, en se concentrant sur la densité nutritionnelle par portion.
As part of a dietary study, researchers analyzed the composition of various prepared dishes, focusing on the nutritional density per portion.
Prepositional phrases indicating context and focus, gerund phrase, 'par portion' modifying 'densité nutritionnelle'.
Les recommandations visant à réduire le gaspillage alimentaire suggèrent de proposer des portions plus petites par portion, afin de satisfaire les besoins des consommateurs sans surplus.
Recommendations aimed at reducing food waste suggest offering smaller portions per portion, in order to satisfy consumer needs without surplus.
Noun phrases with participles, infinitive clauses of purpose, repetition for emphasis.
Le coût de production de ce plat gourmet est calculé de manière méticuleuse, en tenant compte de chaque ingrédient et de sa valeur ajoutée par portion.
The production cost of this gourmet dish is meticulously calculated, taking into account each ingredient and its added value per portion.
Passive voice, adverbial phrases, participial phrase, 'par portion' modifying 'valeur ajoutée'.
Face à l'obésité croissante, de nombreux établissements de restauration rapide ont revu leurs portions, proposant désormais des options 'plus légères par portion'.
Faced with growing obesity, many fast-food establishments have revised their portions, now offering 'lighter per portion' options.
Participial phrase, relative clause, use of quotes for emphasis.
Il est primordial que les industriels communiquent de manière transparente sur la composition des produits, en détaillant précisément ce que représente une portion définie par portion.
It is paramount that manufacturers communicate transparently about product composition, by detailing precisely what a portion defined per portion represents.
Impersonal expression, infinitive clause, adverbial phrase, repetition for clarity.
L'analyse comparative des prix révèle que certains produits, bien que vendus en gros conditionnement, s'avèrent plus coûteux par portion que leurs équivalents individuels.
Comparative price analysis reveals that some products, although sold in bulk packaging, prove to be more expensive per portion than their individual equivalents.
Noun phrases with participles, concessive clause, 'par portion' modifying 'coûteux'.
La notion de 'portion' peut varier considérablement selon les cultures et les habitudes alimentaires, rendant parfois difficile l'application universelle de recommandations par portion.
The notion of 'portion' can vary considerably according to cultures and dietary habits, sometimes making the universal application of recommendations per portion difficult.
Complex sentence with subordinate clauses, adverbial phrases, and abstract nouns.
L'harmonisation des réglementations relatives à l'étiquetage nutritionnel vise à standardiser la perception du consommateur quant à ce qu'implique une quantité donnée par portion.
The harmonization of nutritional labeling regulations aims to standardize consumer perception regarding what a given quantity per portion implies.
Advanced vocabulary, abstract nouns, gerund phrases, complex sentence structure.
Face à la prévalence des maladies chroniques liées à l'alimentation, les politiques de santé publique s'orientent de plus en plus vers la promotion de portions contrôlées, rendant la notion de 'par portion' centrale dans les campagnes de sensibilisation.
Faced with the prevalence of chronic diet-related diseases, public health policies are increasingly oriented towards the promotion of controlled portions, making the notion of 'per portion' central in awareness campaigns.
Participial phrases, abstract nouns, complex sentence with relative clauses and emphasis.
L'industrie agroalimentaire, dans un effort de transparence accrue, s'attache à définir des portions représentatives, afin que l'information délivrée par portion soit aussi fidèle que possible à la réalité de la consommation.
The agri-food industry, in an effort for increased transparency, strives to define representative portions, so that the information delivered per portion is as faithful as possible to consumption reality.
Complex sentence with infinitive clauses of purpose, adverbial phrases, and nuanced vocabulary.
La psychologie de la consommation alimentaire révèle que la présentation visuelle d'une portion peut influencer significativement la perception de sa taille et de sa satiété, indépendamment de sa valeur nutritionnelle par portion.
The psychology of food consumption reveals that the visual presentation of a portion can significantly influence the perception of its size and satiety, regardless of its nutritional value per portion.
Abstract nouns, gerund phrases, complex sentence structure, adverbial phrases.
Dans le domaine de la gastronomie moléculaire, la précision des mesures est primordiale, chaque gramme étant calculé non seulement pour l'ensemble du plat, mais aussi pour son impact par portion.
In the field of molecular gastronomy, precision of measurements is paramount, each gram being calculated not only for the entire dish but also for its impact per portion.
Abstract nouns, participial phrases, complex sentence structure, emphasis on precision.
L'évolution des habitudes de consommation, marquée par une tendance vers les repas individuels et les formats nomades, a conduit à une redéfinition des standards de ce que l'on entend par 'portion'.
The evolution of consumption habits, marked by a trend towards individual meals and on-the-go formats, has led to a redefinition of the standards of what is meant by 'portion'.
Complex sentence with participial phrases, abstract nouns, and nuanced vocabulary.
La tarification dynamique des services de restauration, lorsqu'elle est basée sur la complexité de la préparation ou la rareté des ingrédients, peut être exprimée par portion, reflétant ainsi la valeur intrinsèque de chaque plat.
Dynamic pricing of catering services, when based on preparation complexity or ingredient rarity, can be expressed per portion, thus reflecting the intrinsic value of each dish.
Complex sentence with passive voice, adverbial clauses, abstract nouns, and nuanced vocabulary.
L'analyse comparative des coûts de production dans le secteur de l'hôtellerie révèle des disparités significatives, où la gestion des denrées par portion joue un rôle crucial dans la rentabilité globale.
Comparative analysis of production costs in the hotel sector reveals significant disparities, where the management of foodstuffs per portion plays a crucial role in overall profitability.
Abstract nouns, complex sentence structure, participial phrases, and nuanced vocabulary.
La standardisation des portions, bien que visant à offrir une base de comparaison objective, soulève des questions épistémologiques quant à la contextualisation de la valeur nutritionnelle intrinsèque par portion.
The standardization of portions, although aiming to offer an objective basis for comparison, raises epistemological questions regarding the contextualization of intrinsic nutritional value per portion.
Highly abstract vocabulary, complex sentence structure, philosophical terminology.
Dans une perspective d'économie circulaire appliquée à l'alimentation, la notion de 'portion' se décline non seulement en termes de consommation immédiate, mais aussi en considérations post-consommation, où la gestion des résidus par portion devient un enjeu environnemental majeur.
From a circular economy perspective applied to food, the notion of 'portion' is considered not only in terms of immediate consumption but also in post-consumption considerations, where waste management per portion becomes a major environmental issue.
Advanced vocabulary, abstract concepts, complex sentence structure, nuanced phrasing.
L'ingénierie alimentaire contemporaine explore des stratégies innovantes pour optimiser la biodisponibilité des nutriments, en calibrant finement la matrice alimentaire afin que chaque gramme, par portion, contribue de manière synergique à la santé.
Contemporary food engineering explores innovative strategies to optimize nutrient bioavailability, by finely calibrating the food matrix so that each gram, per portion, contributes synergistically to health.
Highly specialized vocabulary, complex sentence structure, abstract concepts, emphasis on synergy.
La perception culturelle de la générosité gastronomique se manifeste souvent par la taille des portions proposées, créant un paradoxe où l'abondance, mesurée par portion, peut paradoxalement mener à une surconsommation et à des problématiques de santé publique.
The cultural perception of gastronomic generosity often manifests through the size of portions offered, creating a paradox where abundance, measured per portion, can paradoxically lead to overconsumption and public health issues.
Abstract nouns, complex sentence structure, paradoxical phrasing, nuanced vocabulary.
L'impact psychologique de la présentation des aliments, notamment la manière dont les portions sont visuellement délimitées et proposées, est un levier fondamental dans la modulation des comportements alimentaires, transcendant la simple valeur calorique par portion.
The psychological impact of food presentation, particularly how portions are visually delineated and offered, is a fundamental lever in modulating eating behaviors, transcending simple caloric value per portion.
Abstract concepts, complex sentence structure, nuanced vocabulary, emphasis on transcendence.
La rationalisation des coûts dans la restauration collective repose sur une gestion rigoureuse des approvisionnements et des préparations, où la standardisation de chaque unité, par portion, est un impératif économique et logistique.
The rationalization of costs in collective catering relies on rigorous management of supplies and preparations, where the standardization of each unit, per portion, is an economic and logistical imperative.
Abstract nouns, complex sentence structure, emphasis on imperatives.
L'évolution des normes diététiques, souvent influencée par des considérations socio-économiques et culturelles, redéfinit continuellement le paradigme de la 'portion idéale', rendant obsolètes les anciennes métriques par portion.
The evolution of dietary norms, often influenced by socio-economic and cultural considerations, continuously redefines the paradigm of the 'ideal portion,' rendering old metrics per portion obsolete.
Abstract concepts, complex sentence structure, nuanced vocabulary, emphasis on obsolescence.
La conception d'aliments fonctionnels vise à délivrer des bénéfices physiologiques ciblés, où chaque ingrédient est dosé avec une précision chirurgicale, afin que l'efficacité, mesurée par portion, soit optimale.
The design of functional foods aims to deliver targeted physiological benefits, where each ingredient is dosed with surgical precision, so that efficacy, measured per portion, is optimal.
Specialized vocabulary, complex sentence structure, emphasis on precision and optimal efficacy.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— This indicates the cost for one serving of a food item or dish.
The steak is 30 euros par portion.
— This specifies the number of calories in a single serving of a food product.
This chocolate bar has 250 calories par portion.
— This indicates the weight of a single serving of a food item.
The recommended serving size is 100 grammes par portion.
— This refers to the size of a single serving.
Il faut faire attention à la taille de la portion.
— Asking for the cost or quantity per serving.
How much does it cost par portion?
— A dessert that is served as an individual portion.
Each guest will receive a dessert par portion.
— The main course, priced or considered per serving.
The main course is 20 euros par portion.
— Information, usually nutritional, pertaining to a single serving.
These are the nutritional details par portion.
— Describing a serving that is large or abundant.
The chef served a generous portion par portion.
Often Confused With
'Par personne' means 'per person.' While often used interchangeably with 'par portion' when discussing meals, 'par portion' specifically refers to a serving of food, whereas 'par personne' refers to an individual human being.
'Par unité' means 'per unit.' It's a more general term that can apply to any item sold individually, not just food. 'Par portion' is specifically for servings of food or meals.
The word 'portion' itself means 'a portion' or 'a serving.' 'Par portion' is a phrase indicating a rate or measurement applied to that portion.
Easily Confused
Both refer to individual quantities in a dining context.
'Par portion' refers to a serving of food, while 'par personne' refers to an individual human being. In many meal contexts, they overlap, but 'par personne' can also apply to non-food related charges for an individual.
Le menu est à 30 euros par personne. (The menu is 30 euros per person.) Le dessert spécial est à 10 euros par portion. (The special dessert is 10 euros per portion.)
Both indicate a rate applied to an individual item.
'Par portion' is specifically for servings of food or dishes. 'Par unité' is more general and can apply to any item sold individually, like pens, books, or even small food items not typically considered a 'portion' of a meal.
Ces biscuits sont vendus 2 euros par portion. (These cookies are sold for 2 euros per portion.) Le stylo coûte 1 euro par unité. (The pen costs 1 euro per unit.)
It's the core word in the phrase.
'La portion' is the noun referring to the serving itself. 'Par portion' is a prepositional phrase indicating a rate or measurement applied to that serving.
C'est une petite portion. (It's a small portion.) Le prix est calculé par portion. (The price is calculated per portion.)
Both relate to how food is sold or measured.
'En vrac' means 'in bulk' or 'loose,' referring to buying large quantities without individual servings. 'Par portion' refers to the measurement or cost of a single, defined serving.
J'achète le riz en vrac. (I buy rice in bulk.) Ce plat coûte 12 euros par portion. (This dish costs 12 euros per portion.)
Both relate to the amount of food.
'Le tout' means 'the whole' or 'the entire thing.' 'Par portion' refers to individual parts or servings within that whole.
J'ai mangé le tout. (I ate the whole thing.) Chaque portion était parfaite. (Each portion was perfect.)
Sentence Patterns
Le prix est de [Number] euros par portion.
Le prix est de 7 euros par portion.
Il y a [Number] calories par portion.
Il y a 150 calories par portion.
[Noun] est/sont [Adjective] par portion.
Ce plat est délicieux par portion.
Nous devons calculer le coût par portion.
Nous devons calculer le coût par portion pour le buffet.
La recette fait [Number] portions, donc [Value] par portion.
La recette fait 8 portions, donc 300 calories par portion.
Les informations nutritionnelles sont indiquées par portion.
Les informations nutritionnelles sur l'emballage sont indiquées par portion.
Il est important de considérer la valeur par portion.
Il est important de considérer la valeur par portion pour une alimentation saine.
L'analyse de la composition par portion révèle...
L'analyse de la composition par portion révèle une teneur élevée en sucre.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Related
How to Use It
High
-
Confusing 'par portion' with 'par personne'.
→
Use 'par portion' when referring to the serving of food itself, and 'par personne' when referring to the individual person, although they overlap in meal contexts.
'Par portion' is about the food serving, while 'par personne' is about the individual. For example, 'Le plat coûte 20 euros par portion' focuses on the food's price per serving, whereas 'Le menu est à 35 euros par personne' refers to the total cost for each guest.
-
Using 'portion' instead of 'par portion' when indicating a rate.
→
Always include 'par' when indicating a rate or measurement per serving.
Saying 'Le prix est 10 euros portion' is incorrect. The correct phrasing is 'Le prix est de 10 euros par portion' to indicate the price for each serving.
-
Misplacing 'par portion' in a sentence.
→
Place 'par portion' after the noun or quantity it modifies.
Instead of 'Par portion, le gâteau coûte 5 euros,' it should be 'Le gâteau coûte 5 euros par portion' for clarity.
-
Using 'par portion' for non-food items.
→
Use 'par unité' for non-food items.
'Par portion' is specific to food servings. For items like pens or books, use 'par unité' (e.g., 'Le stylo coûte 1 euro par unité').
-
Assuming 'portion' always refers to a small serving.
→
Understand that 'portion' can refer to any defined serving size, which can vary greatly.
A 'portion' can be large or small depending on the context, recipe, or cultural norms. 'Par portion' simply applies a metric to that defined serving, whatever its size.
Tips
Master the French 'R'
The French 'r' sound in 'par' and 'portion' is made in the back of the throat. Practice this sound to improve your pronunciation and make your French sound more authentic.
Visualize a Plate
When learning 'par portion,' visualize a plate of food with a small price tag or nutritional information next to it. This mental image can help you remember its meaning and usage.
Placement Matters
In a sentence, 'par portion' typically follows the noun or quantity it modifies, like 'Le prix est de 10 euros par portion' or '200 calories par portion'.
Expand Your Food Vocabulary
Learning 'par portion' is a great step. Also, familiarize yourself with related terms like 'portion,' 'assiette' (plate), 'recette' (recipe), and 'nutritionnel' (nutritional) to build a strong foundation in food-related French.
Read and Listen Actively
Actively seek out French texts and audio that use 'par portion.' Reading recipes, looking at food packaging, or listening to dialogues about meals will reinforce your understanding.
Compare with 'Par Personne'
Understand the subtle difference between 'par portion' (per serving of food) and 'par personne' (per person). While often similar in meaning for meals, 'par personne' is broader.
Use it in Sentences
Try creating your own sentences using 'par portion' in different contexts – describing a meal you ate, a recipe you found, or a product you saw.
Understand Portion Culture
Cultural norms around portion sizes vary. 'Par portion' helps standardize this discussion, but be aware that what constitutes a 'typical' portion can differ across countries.
Avoid Overgeneralization
Remember that 'par portion' is primarily for food. Using it for non-food items can lead to confusion; opt for 'par unité' in those cases.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine you are at a buffet, and the server says, 'This delicious pastry is 3 euros 'par portion'.' You picture yourself taking one pastry ('portion') and paying 3 euros for it. The 'par' links the price to that single item.
Visual Association
Picture a plate with a perfectly sized serving of food. Next to it, imagine a small price tag or a nutrition label with the words 'par portion' clearly visible.
Word Web
Challenge
When you see a recipe or a food product label in French, try to identify any mention of 'par portion' and understand what it refers to (cost, calories, weight, etc.).
Word Origin
The word 'portion' comes from the Latin word 'portio,' meaning 'a part, share, lot.' The preposition 'par' comes from the Latin 'per,' meaning 'through, by, for.' Therefore, 'par portion' literally means 'by a part' or 'through a share.'
Original meaning: A part or share.
Indo-European > Italic > LatinCultural Context
When discussing food and portions, it's important to be mindful of cultural differences and individual dietary needs or preferences. The term 'par portion' itself is neutral, but the context in which it is used can be sensitive.
In English-speaking countries, we use 'per serving,' 'per portion,' or 'each' in similar contexts. The concept is identical, focusing on the individual unit.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Recipes and Cooking
- X grammes par portion
- Y calories par portion
- Pour X personnes (impliquant la division par portion)
Restaurant Menus and Pricing
- X euros par portion
- Le plat principal par portion
- Entrée à X euros par portion
Food Packaging and Nutrition Labels
- X g de lipides par portion
- X kcal par portion
- La taille de la portion est de X g
Health and Diet Discussions
- Contrôler la portion
- Une portion raisonnable
- Ne pas dépasser X par portion
Catering and Event Planning
- Le coût par portion est de X euros
- Adapter le menu par portion
Conversation Starters
"When you look at food labels, do you usually check the information 'par portion'?"
"Do you think restaurant portions in France are generally generous 'par portion'?"
"How do you decide what a 'portion' size should be for yourself?"
"Do recipes you use specify the nutrients 'par portion'?"
"If you were to price a homemade dish, how would you calculate the cost 'par portion'?"
Journal Prompts
Describe a meal where the 'par portion' cost or nutritional information was particularly important to you. What did you learn?
Imagine you are designing a new healthy snack. How would you determine and label its serving size 'par portion'?
Reflect on a time you felt a portion was too large or too small. How did this affect your experience?
Write a short dialogue between a customer and a waiter discussing the price 'par portion' of a shared appetizer.
Consider a traditional dish from your culture. How is it typically served, and how would you explain its 'portion' concept to someone unfamiliar with it?
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsThe literal translation of 'par portion' is 'by portion' or 'per portion.' It indicates that a measurement, cost, or nutritional value applies to a single, individual serving of food.
'Par portion' is used when discussing food in terms of individual servings. This is common on recipes (e.g., calories per serving), restaurant menus (e.g., price per serving), and food packaging (e.g., nutritional information per serving).
While often used interchangeably in the context of meals, 'par portion' specifically refers to a serving of food, whereas 'par personne' refers to an individual human being. 'Par portion' is more precise when talking about the food itself, while 'par personne' can also apply to services or events.
Generally, 'par portion' is reserved for food and culinary contexts. For other items sold individually, 'par unité' (per unit) is more appropriate. For example, 'Le livre coûte 15 euros par unité,' not 'par portion'.
The size of a 'portion' is often defined by the context (e.g., a slice of cake, a scoop of ice cream) or specified on packaging or in recipes (e.g., 'taille de la portion: 100g'). The phrase 'par portion' itself doesn't define the size, but indicates the rate for that defined size.
'Une portion' means 'a portion' or 'a serving' (e.g., 'J'ai pris une grosse portion' - 'I took a large portion'). 'Par portion' means 'per portion' and indicates a rate or measurement applied to that portion (e.g., 'Le prix est de 5 euros par portion' - 'The price is 5 euros per portion').
'Par portion' is used in both formal and informal contexts, but it is most commonly found in neutral or slightly formal settings related to food, nutrition, and commerce. In very informal speech, people might use simpler phrasing or just imply the 'per serving' aspect.
The pronunciation is roughly /pɑːʁ pɔʁ.sjɔ̃/. The 'par' sounds like 'par' in English but with a French 'r'. The 'portion' sounds like 'por-syon', with a nasal 'on' sound at the end.
Common mistakes include confusing it with 'par personne' or 'par unité,' incorrect sentence placement, or overgeneralizing its use to non-food items. Ensuring it's used in a food-related context and placed correctly is key.
You can find examples on French food packaging, in French recipes and cookbooks, on restaurant menus in France, and in articles or discussions about nutrition and diet in French.
Test Yourself 2 questions
/ 2 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
The phrase 'par portion' is essential for understanding quantities, costs, and nutritional information related to individual servings of food, commonly found on recipes, menus, and food packaging.
- Indicates 'per serving' or 'for each individual amount'.
- Used for food quantities, costs, and nutrition.
- Common on recipes, menus, and food labels.
- Focuses on the individual unit of consumption.
Context is Key
Always consider the context when you see or hear 'par portion.' It's almost always related to food, and it specifies a rate (cost, calories, weight) for a single serving.
Master the French 'R'
The French 'r' sound in 'par' and 'portion' is made in the back of the throat. Practice this sound to improve your pronunciation and make your French sound more authentic.
Visualize a Plate
When learning 'par portion,' visualize a plate of food with a small price tag or nutritional information next to it. This mental image can help you remember its meaning and usage.
Placement Matters
In a sentence, 'par portion' typically follows the noun or quantity it modifies, like 'Le prix est de 10 euros par portion' or '200 calories par portion'.
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.
