This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

Home
Learn
French
Vocabulary
prendre le petit-déjeuner

A1 phrase #1,800 most common 13 min read

prendre le petit-déjeuner

to have breakfast

Top 1,800

At the A1 level, 'prendre le petit-déjeuner' is a fundamental phrase used to describe daily routines. Students learn to conjugate the verb 'prendre' in the present tense (je prends, tu prends, etc.) and identify common breakfast items like 'le café', 'le pain', and 'le croissant'. The focus is on simple subject-verb-object sentences. Learners should be able to state what time they have breakfast and what they usually consume. It is one of the first multi-word verbal phrases taught because it illustrates the use of 'prendre' for meals, a concept different from English. Understanding this phrase helps in basic social interactions, such as staying at a hotel or visiting a host family, where morning logistics are discussed. The emphasis is on clear, functional communication about one's immediate needs and habits.

At the A2 level, learners expand their use of 'prendre le petit-déjeuner' to include the past and future tenses. They should be comfortable using the 'passé composé' (J'ai pris le petit-déjeuner) to describe what they did this morning and the 'futur proche' (Je vais prendre le petit-déjeuner) for their plans. A2 students also begin to use adverbs of frequency like 'souvent', 'toujours', and 'quelquefois' to add detail to their descriptions. They can handle more complex interactions, such as ordering breakfast in a cafe or explaining dietary preferences. The distinction between 'prendre le petit-déjeuner' and 'déjeuner' (lunch) becomes more important as they navigate more varied social situations. They also start to recognize the shortened form 'le p'tit-dej' in informal listening contexts.

At the B1 level, students can use 'prendre le petit-déjeuner' within more complex sentence structures, including relative clauses and the 'imparfait' for describing past habits (Quand j'étais enfant, je prenais le petit-déjeuner avec mes parents). They can discuss the cultural importance of breakfast and compare French breakfast habits with those of their own country. B1 learners should be able to handle hypothetical situations using the conditional (Si j'avais le temps, je prendrais le petit-déjeuner au lit). They also become more aware of regional variations, such as the use of 'déjeuner' for breakfast in Quebec. Their vocabulary surrounding the meal expands to include more specific items and cooking methods, and they can express opinions about the health benefits or social aspects of the morning meal.

At the B2 level, the phrase is used fluently in a wide range of contexts. Learners can discuss nuanced topics like the 'petit-déjeuner d'affaires' (business breakfast) and the etiquette associated with it. They can understand and use the phrase in more abstract or idiomatic ways in literature or media. B2 students are expected to master all tenses, including the 'plus-que-parfait' and the 'subjonctif' (Il est important que nous prenions le petit-déjeuner ensemble). They can follow complex discussions about nutrition or the history of French culinary traditions where the evolution of the 'petit-déjeuner' is mentioned. Their ability to switch between formal and informal registers (using 'p'tit-dej' appropriately) is well-developed, and they can articulate the subtle differences between 'prendre le petit-déjeuner' and other similar expressions.

At the C1 level, 'prendre le petit-déjeuner' is used with complete naturalness and stylistic variety. Learners can appreciate the phrase's use in high-level literature to set a mood or characterize a protagonist's lifestyle. They can engage in deep cultural analysis of the French 'art de vivre' as reflected in morning rituals. C1 students can use the phrase in sophisticated grammatical constructions and are aware of its historical etymology (the shift from 'déjeuner' to 'petit-déjeuner'). They can participate in debates about modern lifestyle changes, such as the decline of the traditional family breakfast in favor of 'manger sur le pouce'. Their command of the language allows them to use the phrase with irony, humor, or specific emotional coloring, reflecting a near-native understanding of its place in the French linguistic landscape.

At the C2 level, the learner has a masterful command of 'prendre le petit-déjeuner' and all its connotations. They can use the phrase in any context, from academic culinary history to contemporary sociological analysis. They understand the deepest nuances of regionalisms across the entire Francophonie and can adapt their language perfectly to their interlocutor. C2 speakers can analyze the phrase's role in constructing French identity and can use it as a springboard for discussing broader themes like globalization's impact on local customs. Their use of the phrase is indistinguishable from a highly educated native speaker, incorporating it into complex rhetorical structures and demonstrating an effortless grasp of the most subtle register shifts and idiomatic extensions.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

prendre le petit-déjeuner in 30 Seconds

The standard French way to say 'to have breakfast' using the verb 'prendre' and the noun 'le petit-déjeuner'.
Requires conjugation of the irregular verb 'prendre' (e.g., je prends, nous prenons, j'ai pris).
Essential for describing daily routines, staying at hotels, or ordering food in French-speaking countries.
Culturally refers to a typically light, sweet morning meal consisting of bread, pastries, and hot drinks.

The phrase prendre le petit-déjeuner is the standard French expression for the act of eating the first meal of the day. Unlike English, where 'breakfast' can be used as both a noun and a verb (to breakfast), French requires the functional verb prendre (to take) to turn the noun le petit-déjeuner into an action. In a literal sense, you are 'taking the little lunch.' This linguistic structure is crucial for beginners to master because it reflects a broader pattern in French where 'taking' is used for consuming meals, drinks, or medicine. The concept of the 'little lunch' dates back to the 19th century; historically, the first meal was simply 'le déjeuner,' but as that meal moved later in the day to become what we now call lunch, the morning meal was qualified as 'petit.'

Grammatical Category: Verbal Phrase (Transitive)
Literal Translation: To take the small un-fasting

D'habitude, je prends le petit-déjeuner à sept heures du matin avec un grand café au lait.

In French culture, this meal is typically light and sweet. It usually consists of a 'tartine' (bread with butter and jam), a croissant, or cereal, accompanied by a hot beverage like coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. Interestingly, the coffee is often served in a 'bol' (bowl) rather than a mug, allowing for easier dipping of bread or pastries. Understanding this phrase is not just about the words; it is about entering the French morning rhythm. When you say you are 'taking' breakfast, you are describing a ritualized start to the day that is often solitary or family-oriented, distinct from the more social and lengthy 'déjeuner' (lunch) or 'dîner' (dinner).

Est-ce que tu veux prendre le petit-déjeuner avec moi demain au café du coin ?

Regional Variation: France: Petit-déjeuner | Quebec: Déjeuner | Belgium: Déjeuner

The verb 'prendre' is highly irregular, which adds a layer of complexity for learners. You must conjugate it as 'je prends', 'tu prends', 'il prend', 'nous prenons', 'vous prenez', and 'ils prennent'. In the past tense (passé composé), it uses the auxiliary 'avoir' with the past participle 'pris'. For example, 'J'ai pris le petit-déjeuner' (I had breakfast). Mastering this phrase ensures you can communicate your daily routine effectively, a core skill at the A1 level. It also prevents the common error of using 'avoir' (to have) as a direct translation of the English 'to have breakfast,' which sounds unnatural in French.

Nous prenons le petit-déjeuner rapidement avant de partir au travail.

Les enfants prennent le petit-déjeuner dans la cuisine.

Common Accompaniments: Du café, des tartines, un jus d'orange, des céréales.

Il est important de prendre le petit-déjeuner pour avoir de l'énergie toute la journée.

Using prendre le petit-déjeuner correctly requires attention to verb conjugation and the use of the definite article 'le'. Unlike in English where we say 'I eat breakfast' or 'I have breakfast,' in French, the article 'le' is almost always present unless you are modifying the noun with an adjective. The verb prendre is the engine of this phrase. It is an irregular third-group verb. When you are describing your morning routine, you will most often use the present tense. For example, 'Je prends mon petit-déjeuner' (I am taking my breakfast). Note that you can replace 'le' with a possessive adjective like 'mon', 'ton', or 'son' to indicate whose breakfast it is, though 'le' is the most common default.

Present Tense Conjugation: Je prends, Tu prends, Il/Elle prend, Nous prenons, Vous prenez, Ils/Elles prennent.

Le week-end, nous prenons le petit-déjeuner plus tard, vers dix heures.

When talking about the past, use the passé composé. Since prendre uses 'avoir' as its auxiliary, the construction is 'J'ai pris le petit-déjeuner.' This is used for a completed action at a specific time. If you want to describe a habit in the past, use the imparfait: 'Je prenais le petit-déjeuner avec ma grand-mère chaque été.' This distinction is vital for moving from A1 to A2 levels of proficiency. Additionally, in negative sentences, the article 'le' remains 'le'. You would say 'Je ne prends pas le petit-déjeuner' (I don't have breakfast). This is a rare exception to the rule where 'le/la/les' usually changes to 'de' in the negative, because 'le petit-déjeuner' is treated as a specific noun phrase here.

Vous prenez le petit-déjeuner à l'hôtel ou au restaurant ?

Common Adverbs: Tôt (early), tard (late), ensemble (together), rapidement (quickly).

Another nuance involves the use of 'prendre' versus 'manger'. While you can say 'Je mange mon petit-déjeuner,' it sounds slightly more mechanical, focusing only on the act of chewing. 'Prendre' encompasses the whole experience, including drinking your coffee or juice. If you are at a hotel, you might see the phrase 'Petit-déjeuner compris' (breakfast included). In this context, the verb 'prendre' is implied. When ordering, you might say, 'Je vais prendre le petit-déjeuner continental, s'il vous plaît.' This uses the near future (aller + infinitive), which is a very common way to express intent in French.

Elle ne prend jamais le petit-déjeuner car elle n'a pas faim le matin.

À quelle heure prends-tu le petit-déjeuner d'habitude ?

Imperative Mood: Prends ton petit-déjeuner ! (Take your breakfast! / Eat your breakfast!)

On prend le petit-déjeuner sur la terrasse quand il fait beau.

You will encounter the phrase prendre le petit-déjeuner in a variety of everyday settings in France and other French-speaking countries. The most common place is within the home, during morning routines. Parents will often tell their children, 'Allez, viens prendre le petit-déjeuner !' (Come on, come have breakfast!). It is also a staple of the hospitality industry. When checking into a hotel, the receptionist will almost certainly ask if you would like to 'prendre le petit-déjeuner à l'hôtel' and inform you of the hours it is served. In these contexts, the phrase is often associated with the 'buffet' or 'service en chambre' (room service).

Hospitality Context: Le petit-déjeuner est servi de 7h à 10h dans la salle à manger.

Voulez-vous prendre le petit-déjeuner en chambre ce matin ?

In a professional setting, you might hear about a 'petit-déjeuner d'affaires' (business breakfast). This is a common way for professionals to meet early in the morning to discuss projects in a slightly more relaxed atmosphere than a formal boardroom, but still more structured than a lunch. You might hear a colleague say, 'On pourrait prendre le petit-déjeuner ensemble pour discuter du nouveau projet.' This highlights the social utility of the meal. Furthermore, in cafes and 'boulangeries' (bakeries), you will see signs for 'formules petit-déjeuner,' which are set menus usually including a hot drink, a juice, and a pastry. When you sit down at a cafe terrace, the waiter might ask, 'C'est pour prendre le petit-déjeuner ?' to determine if you need a food menu or just a coffee.

J'adore prendre le petit-déjeuner en lisant le journal au café.

Social Context: Un petit-déjeuner de travail (A working breakfast).

In media, health programs often emphasize the importance of the meal: 'Il ne faut pas oublier de prendre le petit-déjeuner pour rester concentré.' You will also hear it in travel vlogs or podcasts where people describe their experiences in France. The phrase is so ubiquitous that it is often shortened in casual speech to 'prendre le p'tit-dej'. If you are invited to someone's house for the weekend, they might say, 'On prendra le petit-déjeuner vers 9 heures, ça te va ?' This shows the phrase's role in coordinating social schedules. Whether in a formal hotel setting, a bustling Parisian cafe, or a quiet family kitchen, this phrase is the gateway to the French morning experience.

Demain, nous allons prendre le petit-déjeuner chez mes parents.

Est-ce que vous avez déjà pris le petit-déjeuner ?

Common Questions: Qu'est-ce que tu prends pour le petit-déjeuner ? (What are you having for breakfast?)

Je n'ai pas le temps de prendre le petit-déjeuner ce matin.

One of the most frequent errors for English speakers is using the verb avoir (to have) instead of prendre (to take). In English, we say 'I have breakfast,' but in French, 'J'ai le petit-déjeuner' sounds like you are physically holding the breakfast or that it is in your possession, rather than that you are consuming it. Always remember: for meals, you 'take' them. Another common mistake is forgetting the definite article 'le'. Beginners often say 'prendre petit-déjeuner,' which is grammatically incomplete. It must be 'prendre le petit-déjeuner'. Even when you add an adjective, the article or a determiner is usually necessary, such as 'prendre un bon petit-déjeuner'.

The 'Avoir' Trap: Incorrect: J'ai le petit-déjeuner. | Correct: Je prends le petit-déjeuner.

Attention : Ne dites pas 'Je mange le petit-déjeuner' trop souvent ; prendre le petit-déjeuner est plus naturel.

Spelling and punctuation also pose challenges. The word 'petit-déjeuner' requires a hyphen. Without it, 'petit déjeuner' might be understood, but it is technically incorrect in written French. Additionally, learners often confuse 'déjeuner' (lunch) with 'petit-déjeuner' (breakfast). This is especially tricky because, as mentioned before, in some Francophone regions like Quebec, 'déjeuner' *is* the word for breakfast. However, in standard Hexagonal French (France), 'déjeuner' is the midday meal. Using the wrong one can lead to significant scheduling confusion! Another error is the conjugation of 'prendre'. Many students forget the 'd' in 'nous prenons' or 'vous prenez' (incorrectly saying 'prendons'), or they forget that the 'ils' form is 'prennent' with a double 'n'.

Elle a oublié de prendre le petit-déjeuner et maintenant elle a faim.

Spelling Error: Incorrect: petit dejeuner | Correct: petit-déjeuner (with hyphen and accent).

Finally, be careful with the past participle in the passé composé. The past participle of 'prendre' is 'pris'. A common mistake is to try and regularize it to 'prendu' or 'prené', which do not exist. 'J'ai pris le petit-déjeuner' is the only correct form. Also, when using the negative 'ne... pas', remember that the 'le' does not change to 'de' in this specific set phrase. 'Je ne prends pas le petit-déjeuner' is correct, whereas 'Je ne prends pas de petit-déjeuner' is possible but less common and implies 'I'm not having *any* breakfast' rather than the general act of skipping the meal. Mastering these small details will make your French sound much more authentic and polished.

Il ne faut pas confondre prendre le petit-déjeuner et déjeuner (le midi).

Est-ce que vous prenez le petit-déjeuner tous les jours ?

Conjugation Error: Incorrect: Nous prendons | Correct: Nous prenons.

Je vais prendre le petit-déjeuner maintenant.

While prendre le petit-déjeuner is the standard phrase, there are several related terms and synonyms that vary by register and region. The most direct synonym is the verb petit-déjeuner itself. While 'prendre le petit-déjeuner' is more common in spoken French, the single verb 'petit-déjeuner' is perfectly correct and often used in writing or slightly more formal contexts. For example, 'Nous avons petit-déjeuné à l'aube.' Another related term is bruncher, a loanword from English used to describe the late-morning meal that combines breakfast and lunch, typically on weekends. This is very common in urban areas like Paris.

Synonym Comparison: Prendre le petit-déjeuner (Common/Standard) vs. Petit-déjeuner (Verb, slightly more formal).

On peut prendre le petit-déjeuner ou simplement bruncher plus tard.

In terms of regional differences, it is essential to know that in Quebec, Belgium, and Switzerland, the morning meal is often called le déjeuner. Consequently, the verb used there is déjeuner. In these regions, lunch is called le dîner and dinner is le souper. This can be very confusing for someone trained in 'Standard French.' Another related word is une collation or un en-cas, which refers to a snack. If you eat something very small in the morning, you might call it a collation rather than a full petit-déjeuner. There is also the word le casse-croûte, which is a more rugged term for a quick meal or snack, often eaten by workers.

Au Québec, on dit 'déjeuner' au lieu de prendre le petit-déjeuner.

Related Terms: Le brunch, la collation, le goûter (afternoon snack), le casse-croûte.

When discussing the content of the meal, you might hear un petit-déjeuner continental (bread, pastries, coffee) versus un petit-déjeuner anglais (eggs, bacon, beans). The verb 'prendre' remains the same for both. Another interesting distinction is manger sur le pouce, which means to eat something very quickly, often while standing or on the go. If you don't have time to 'prendre le petit-déjeuner' properly, you might 'manger un croissant sur le pouce.' Understanding these variations allows you to navigate different social situations and geographic locations with greater ease and cultural sensitivity.

Je préfère prendre le petit-déjeuner complet plutôt qu'une simple collation.

Après avoir pris le petit-déjeuner, je me sens prêt pour la journée.

Meal Names in France: 1. Petit-déjeuner, 2. Déjeuner, 3. Goûter, 4. Dîner.

Voulez-vous prendre le petit-déjeuner maintenant ou plus tard ?

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Difficulty Rating

Grammar to Know

Examples by Level

Je prends le petit-déjeuner à huit heures.

I have breakfast at eight o'clock.

Present tense of 'prendre'.

Tu prends le petit-déjeuner avec moi ?

Are you having breakfast with me?

Question form using intonation.

Elle prend le petit-déjeuner dans la cuisine.

She is having breakfast in the kitchen.

Third person singular conjugation.

Nous prenons le petit-déjeuner ensemble.

We are having breakfast together.

First person plural conjugation.

Vous prenez le petit-déjeuner à l'hôtel ?

Are you having breakfast at the hotel?

Formal 'vous' form.

Ils prennent le petit-déjeuner rapidement.

They are having breakfast quickly.

Third person plural conjugation.

Je ne prends pas le petit-déjeuner.

I don't have breakfast.

Negative construction 'ne... pas'.

Qu'est-ce que tu prends pour le petit-déjeuner ?

What are you having for breakfast?

Interrogative phrase 'Qu'est-ce que'.

Ce matin, j'ai pris le petit-déjeuner tard.

This morning, I had breakfast late.

Passé composé with 'avoir'.

Demain, nous allons prendre le petit-déjeuner au café.

Tomorrow, we are going to have breakfast at the cafe.

Futur proche (aller + infinitive).

Est-ce que vous avez déjà pris le petit-déjeuner ?

Have you already had breakfast?

Passé composé with adverb 'déjà'.

Je préfère prendre le petit-déjeuner sur la terrasse.

I prefer to have breakfast on the terrace.

Infinitive after a verb of preference.

Il prend toujours le petit-déjeuner avant de partir.

He always has breakfast before leaving.

Adverb of frequency 'toujours'.

On peut prendre le petit-déjeuner ensemble demain ?

Can we have breakfast together tomorrow?

Use of 'on' as 'we'.

Elle n'a pas pris le petit-déjeuner ce matin.

She didn't have breakfast this morning.

Negative passé composé.

Voulez-vous prendre le petit-déjeuner en chambre ?

Would you like to have breakfast in your room?

Polite request with 'vouloir'.

Quand j'étais petit, je prenais le petit-déjeuner avec mon grand-père.

When I was little, I used to have breakfast with my grandfather.

Imparfait for past habits.

Il est important de prendre le petit-déjeuner pour être en forme.

It is important to have breakfast to be in good shape.

Impersonal construction 'il est important de'.

Si j'avais plus de temps, je prendrais le petit-déjeuner au lit.

If I had more time, I would have breakfast in bed.

Conditional mood (si + imparfait -> conditionnel).

Bien que je sois pressé, je prends toujours le petit-déjeuner.

Although I am in a hurry, I always have breakfast.

Conjunction 'bien que' followed by subjonctif.

C'est le meilleur moment pour prendre le petit-déjeuner en famille.

It's the best time to have breakfast as a family.

Superlative 'le meilleur'.

Je me demande à quelle heure ils prennent le petit-déjeuner ici.

I wonder what time they have breakfast here.

Indirect question.

Après avoir pris le petit-déjeuner, nous sommes partis en randonnée.

After having breakfast, we went for a hike.

Infinitive past 'après avoir pris'.

Elle déteste prendre le petit-déjeuner seule.

She hates having breakfast alone.

Infinitive after 'détester'.

Le concept de prendre le petit-déjeuner a évolué au fil des siècles.

The concept of having breakfast has evolved over the centuries.

Abstract noun phrase as subject.

Il faudrait que nous prenions le petit-déjeuner ensemble pour en discuter.

We should have breakfast together to discuss it.

Subjonctif after 'il faudrait que'.

Prendre le petit-déjeuner est devenu un luxe pour beaucoup de citadins.

Having breakfast has become a luxury for many city dwellers.

Infinitive phrase as subject.

En prenant le petit-déjeuner, j'ai lu les nouvelles du jour.

While having breakfast, I read the day's news.

Gérondif (en + participe présent).

On m'a suggéré de prendre le petit-déjeuner avant l'examen.

I was suggested to have breakfast before the exam.

Passive-like construction with 'on'.

Rien ne vaut le plaisir de prendre le petit-déjeuner face à la mer.

Nothing beats the pleasure of having breakfast facing the sea.

Idiomatic expression 'rien ne vaut'.

Elle s'est habituée à prendre le petit-déjeuner très tôt le matin.

She got used to having breakfast very early in the morning.

Pronominal verb 's'habituer à'.

Malgré la fatigue, il a tenu à prendre le petit-déjeuner avec nous.

Despite the fatigue, he insisted on having breakfast with us.

Preposition 'malgré' + noun.

L'acte de prendre le petit-déjeuner revêt une dimension presque rituelle.

The act of having breakfast takes on an almost ritual dimension.

Formal verb 'revêtir'.

Il est regrettable que la tradition de prendre le petit-déjeuner se perde.

It is regrettable that the tradition of having breakfast is being lost.

Subjonctif in a subordinate clause expressing regret.

Prendre le petit-déjeuner au café du coin permet de tâter le pouls du quartier.

Having breakfast at the local cafe allows one to feel the pulse of the neighborhood.

Idiomatic expression 'tâter le pouls'.

Quiconque omet de prendre le petit-déjeuner risque une baisse de productivité.

Anyone who fails to have breakfast risks a drop in productivity.

Relative pronoun 'quiconque'.

S'attarder à prendre le petit-déjeuner est un plaisir dont je ne saurais me passer.

Lingering over breakfast is a pleasure I could not do without.

Relative pronoun 'dont' and conditional 'saurais'.

Le protagoniste, en prenant le petit-déjeuner, réalise soudain la gravité de la situation.

The protagonist, while having breakfast, suddenly realizes the gravity of the situation.

Literary use of the gérondif.

Il n'est pas rare de prendre le petit-déjeuner tout en traitant ses courriels.

It is not uncommon to have breakfast while processing one's emails.

Double negative 'il n'est pas rare'.

La convivialité associée au fait de prendre le petit-déjeuner est indéniable.

The conviviality associated with having breakfast is undeniable.

Noun phrase 'le fait de' + infinitive.

L'évolution sémantique du terme souligne l'importance de prendre le petit-déjeuner.

The semantic evolution of the term highlights the importance of having breakfast.

Sophisticated vocabulary 'évolution sémantique'.

Puissions-nous toujours avoir le loisir de prendre le petit-déjeuner en toute quiétude.

May we always have the leisure to have breakfast in complete peace.

Subjonctif of desire (optative).

L'omission systématique de prendre le petit-déjeuner peut s'avérer préjudiciable.

The systematic omission of having breakfast can prove to be detrimental.

Formal verb 's'avérer'.

Rien n'est plus révélateur d'une culture que la manière de prendre le petit-déjeuner.

Nothing is more revealing of a culture than the way of having breakfast.

Comparative structure 'rien n'est plus... que'.

Elle se complaisait dans l'habitude de prendre le petit-déjeuner à l'heure où le monde s'éveille.

She took pleasure in the habit of having breakfast at the hour when the world awakens.

Literary verb 'se complaire'.

L'invitation à prendre le petit-déjeuner fut déclinée avec une politesse exquise.

The invitation to have breakfast was declined with exquisite politeness.

Passé simple and passive voice.

Nonobstant son emploi du temps chargé, il ne déroge jamais à prendre le petit-déjeuner.

Notwithstanding his busy schedule, he never fails to have breakfast.

Formal preposition 'nonobstant'.

Le fait de prendre le petit-déjeuner en solitaire favorise l'introspection matinale.

Having breakfast alone favors morning introspection.

Abstract philosophical subject.

Common Collocations

prendre le petit-déjeuner tôt

prendre le petit-déjeuner tard

prendre le petit-déjeuner ensemble

prendre le petit-déjeuner au lit

prendre le petit-déjeuner à l'hôtel

prendre le petit-déjeuner rapidement

prendre le petit-déjeuner en famille

prendre un copieux petit-déjeuner

prendre un petit-déjeuner équilibré

prendre le petit-déjeuner continental

Common Phrases

Voulez-vous prendre le petit-déjeuner ?

C'est l'heure de prendre le petit-déjeuner.

J'ai déjà pris le petit-déjeuner.

Je vais prendre le petit-déjeuner.

On prend le petit-déjeuner ?

Qu'est-ce que tu prends pour le petit-déjeuner ?

Prendre le petit-déjeuner en terrasse.

Prendre le petit-déjeuner sur le pouce.

Prendre le petit-déjeuner en chambre.

Il faut prendre le petit-déjeuner.

Often Confused With

prendre le petit-déjeuner vs déjeuner (lunch in France, breakfast in Quebec)

prendre le petit-déjeuner vs petit déjeuner (without hyphen - incorrect spelling)

prendre le petit-déjeuner vs avoir le petit-déjeuner (incorrect anglicism)

Idioms & Expressions

Easily Confused

prendre le petit-déjeuner vs

Sentence Patterns

How to Use It

Article use

You can say 'prendre LE petit-déjeuner' (general) or 'prendre MON petit-déjeuner' (specific).

Regionalism

Remember that in Quebec, 'déjeuner' is breakfast.

Verb vs Phrase

The verb 'petit-déjeuner' exists but 'prendre le petit-déjeuner' is more common in speech.

Common Mistakes

Using 'avoir' instead of 'prendre' (e.g., 'J'ai le petit-déjeuner').
Omitting the definite article 'le' (e.g., 'Je prends petit-déjeuner').
Forgetting the hyphen in 'petit-déjeuner'.
Confusing 'déjeuner' (lunch) with 'petit-déjeuner' (breakfast) in France.
Misconjugating 'prendre' (e.g., 'nous prendons' instead of 'nous prenons').

Tips

Master 'Prendre'

Since 'prendre' is used for all meals and drinks, mastering its irregular conjugation is a high-priority task. Practice saying 'je prends', 'nous prenons', and 'ils prennent' until they become second nature. This will help you not just with breakfast, but with 'déjeuner', 'dîner', and 'un café' as well.

The Dipping Rule

In France, it is culturally acceptable and even common to dip your bread or croissant into your coffee or hot chocolate. This is why breakfast drinks are often served in bowls. Don't be surprised if you see this in a French home or a local cafe; it's part of the authentic experience.

Know Your Pastries

When you 'prendre le petit-déjeuner' at a bakery, know the difference between a 'croissant', a 'pain au chocolat', and a 'pain aux raisins'. These are collectively called 'viennoiseries'. Knowing these specific terms will make your morning ordering much smoother and more enjoyable.

Check Your Location

If you are traveling to Quebec or Belgium, remember to switch from 'petit-déjeuner' to 'déjeuner'. Using the 'France' version in Montreal won't be misunderstood, but using the local term shows a higher level of cultural awareness and will be appreciated by the locals.

The Silent 'T'

Remember that the 't' at the end of 'petit' is silent. Beginners often want to pronounce it because they see it, but in the phrase 'prendre le petit-déjeuner', the 't' is followed by a consonant, so it remains silent. Pronouncing it is a clear sign of a non-native accent.

Listen for 'P'tit-Dej'

In movies and podcasts, you will rarely hear the full 'petit-déjeuner'. Train your ear to recognize the rapid 'p'tit-dej'. It sounds almost like one syllable for 'p'tit' and one for 'dej'. This is the key to understanding natural, informal French conversations about morning routines.

Don't Forget the Hyphen

When writing an essay or an email, always use the hyphen in 'petit-déjeuner'. It's a small detail, but it shows you have a good grasp of French orthography. Compound nouns in French often require hyphens, and this is one of the most common ones you will use.

A Balanced Start

If you want to talk about a 'healthy breakfast', use the phrase 'un petit-déjeuner équilibré'. You can say: 'Il est important de prendre un petit-déjeuner équilibré pour bien commencer la journée.' This is a great phrase to use in B1 level discussions about lifestyle and health.

The Business Breakfast

If you are in a professional context, 'prendre le petit-déjeuner' can be a great way to network. A 'petit-déjeuner d'affaires' is usually less formal than a lunch but still professional. It's a common way to start a meeting or a conference in many French companies.

Hotel Phrases

When staying at a hotel, look for the sign 'Petit-déjeuner compris' (Breakfast included). If you need to ask about it, say: 'Est-ce que le petit-déjeuner est inclus dans le prix de la chambre ?' This is a practical application of the phrase that every traveler should know.

Memorize It

Word Origin

French

Cultural Context

French people often drink coffee or hot chocolate from a bowl (un bol) at breakfast to facilitate dipping bread.

It is a common weekend ritual to go to the local bakery to buy fresh 'viennoiseries' for breakfast.

Savory items like eggs or bacon are traditionally rare in a French home breakfast.

The 'petit-déjeuner d'affaires' is a common professional networking event in France.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Conversation Starters

"À quelle heure prends-tu le petit-déjeuner d'habitude ?"

"Qu'est-ce que tu aimes prendre pour le petit-déjeuner ?"

"Est-ce que tu préfères prendre le petit-déjeuner seul ou avec du monde ?"

"Où est le meilleur endroit pour prendre le petit-déjeuner dans cette ville ?"

"Est-ce que tu prends le petit-déjeuner même quand tu es pressé ?"

Journal Prompts

Décrivez votre petit-déjeuner idéal.

Racontez ce que vous avez pris pour le petit-déjeuner ce matin.

Comparez le petit-déjeuner dans votre pays et en France.

Pourquoi est-il important (ou non) de prendre le petit-déjeuner ?

Décrivez un souvenir d'enfance lié au fait de prendre le petit-déjeuner.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, you can say 'manger le petit-déjeuner', but it is much less common than 'prendre le petit-déjeuner'. 'Prendre' is the preferred verb because it covers both eating and drinking. Using 'manger' sounds a bit more clinical or literal. In most social situations, 'prendre' is the more natural choice for a native speaker. It's better to stick with 'prendre' to sound more authentic.

The correct spelling is with a hyphen: 'petit-déjeuner'. While you might see it without a hyphen in informal writing or on some signs, the Académie Française and standard dictionaries require the hyphen. It is a compound noun. When used as a verb, it is also hyphenated: 'petit-déjeuner'. Paying attention to this detail will improve your written French significantly.

This is a fundamental difference between French and English. In French, 'avoir' expresses possession, while 'prendre' expresses the act of consuming or taking part in something. Just as you 'take' a shower (prendre une douche) or 'take' a photo (prendre une photo), you 'take' a meal. Using 'avoir' for meals is a common mistake for English speakers and sounds very unnatural to French ears.

In France, 'petit-déjeuner' is the morning meal (breakfast) and 'déjeuner' is the midday meal (lunch). However, in Quebec, Belgium, and Switzerland, 'déjeuner' is the morning meal and 'dîner' is the midday meal. If you are in Paris, 'déjeuner' always means lunch. If you are in Montreal, 'déjeuner' always means breakfast. It's important to know where you are to avoid confusion!

The verb 'prendre' uses the auxiliary 'avoir' in the passé composé. The past participle is 'pris'. So, you say 'J'ai pris', 'Tu as pris', 'Il a pris', 'Nous avons pris', 'Vous avez pris', 'Ils ont pris'. For example: 'J'ai pris le petit-déjeuner à huit heures ce matin.' It is an irregular past participle, so it must be memorized separately from regular -re verbs.

'Le p'tit-dej' is very informal and common in casual conversation among friends and family. It is not rude, but it might be too casual for a formal business setting or a high-end hotel. In those cases, use the full 'le petit-déjeuner'. It's similar to saying 'breakfast' vs 'brekkie' in English, though 'p'tit-dej' is perhaps even more common in France than 'brekkie' is in the US.

Generally, yes. You say 'prendre LE petit-déjeuner'. You can also use a possessive like 'prendre MON petit-déjeuner'. If you are using an adjective, you might use 'un', like 'prendre UN bon petit-déjeuner'. However, you almost never use the noun without some kind of determiner. Saying 'prendre petit-déjeuner' is a grammatical error that marks you as a beginner.

A traditional French breakfast is usually sweet. It often includes a 'tartine' (bread with butter and jam), a croissant, or other 'viennoiseries'. For drinks, coffee, tea, or hot chocolate are common. Many people also have a glass of orange juice. Savory items like eggs, bacon, or beans are not part of a standard French breakfast at home, though they are available in some hotels.

While 'prendre le petit-déjeuner' specifically refers to the morning meal, you could technically use it, but the French have adopted the word 'bruncher' or 'prendre un brunch' for that specific late-morning weekend meal. If you say you are 'taking breakfast' at 11:30 AM, people will understand, but they will likely call it a brunch themselves. It's more precise to use the modern term.

The most common way to say this is 'sauter le petit-déjeuner'. You can also say 'ne pas prendre de petit-déjeuner'. For example: 'Je saute souvent le petit-déjeuner quand je suis en retard.' (I often skip breakfast when I'm late). 'Sauter' literally means 'to jump', but in this context, it means 'to skip' or 'to omit'.