la collation 30秒了解
- La collation is a French word for a snack or light meal between main meals.
- It's used for any small food intake to stave off hunger, common for children and adults.
- Think of it as a 'light meal' or a 'snack' to keep you energized.
- Commonly heard in families, schools, and cafes in France.
The French word la collation refers to a light meal or a snack, typically eaten between main meals to stave off hunger. It's a versatile term that can encompass a wide range of food and drink, from a simple piece of fruit or a biscuit to a small sandwich or a yogurt. In French culture, taking a moment for a collation is often seen as a way to recharge and maintain energy levels throughout the day. It's not usually considered a full meal, but rather a brief pause for sustenance.
Children often have a collation at school in the morning and another in the afternoon. Adults might have one during a work break or when they feel peckish between lunch and dinner. The context can vary significantly; a collation at home might be more substantial than one grabbed on the go. It's a common part of daily life, promoting a balanced intake of food throughout the day rather than relying solely on larger, more spaced-out meals.
The term emphasizes the idea of a 'collection' of small items, or a 'gathering' of sustenance, rather than a singular, defining meal. It’s a word that speaks to the French appreciation for enjoying food, even in small doses. Think of it as a 'little something' to keep you going. It can also be used in a more formal setting, for instance, a collation offered at an event or a business meeting, which might include more sophisticated finger foods or pastries. The key is that it's not a main course, but a supplementary intake of food.
In educational institutions, particularly in France, the concept of a collation is institutionalized, with designated times for children to eat their snacks. This reflects a pedagogical approach that recognizes the importance of regular nourishment for concentration and learning. It’s a common sight to see children with their snack boxes, ready for their mid-morning or afternoon collation.
The word itself has roots that suggest a 'gathering' or 'collection', which aligns with the idea of bringing together small food items for a light meal. It’s a term that conveys a sense of comfort and well-being, a brief moment of indulgence or necessity that punctuates the rhythm of the day. Whether it's a piece of fruit, a small pastry, or a handful of nuts, the collation serves as a vital bridge between meals, ensuring sustained energy and preventing excessive hunger.
Consider the diversity of what constitutes a collation. It could be as simple as a glass of milk and a cookie for a young child, or as elaborate as a selection of canapés at a corporate event. The defining characteristic is its role as a light, supplementary intake of food, distinct from the main meals of breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This flexibility makes the term incredibly useful in everyday French conversation.
- Synonyms
- En-cas (more informal, often implies something eaten spontaneously), goûter (specifically for an afternoon snack, especially for children, but can be used more broadly).
- Antonyms
- Repas principal (main meal), dîner (dinner), déjeuner (lunch), petit-déjeuner (breakfast).
- Etymology
- From the verb 'collationner', meaning to take a light meal or snack, which itself comes from the Latin 'collatio', meaning a bringing together, or a contribution, and later, a reading or lecture, and eventually, a light meal.
Les enfants prennent souvent la collation à l'école.
Je vais prendre une collation avant de sortir.
Using la collation in sentences is straightforward, focusing on its meaning as a snack or light meal. You'll often see it preceded by an article like 'une' (a) or 'la' (the), depending on whether you're referring to a general snack or a specific one. It can be the subject of a sentence, the object, or part of a prepositional phrase. The verb associated with having a collation is typically 'prendre' (to take) or 'manger' (to eat).
For instance, you can say 'Je prends une collation à dix heures' (I'm having a snack at ten o'clock). This highlights the timing of the snack. Alternatively, 'Elle a préparé une collation pour les enfants' (She prepared a snack for the children) shows possession or preparation. The plural form, 'les collations', is used when referring to multiple snacks or snacks in general.
Consider sentences describing the content of the snack: 'La collation était composée de fruits et de biscuits' (The snack consisted of fruit and biscuits). Here, 'collation' is the subject. In a more descriptive context, one might say, 'Il est important de ne pas sauter la collation' (It is important not to skip the snack), emphasizing its necessity. You can also use it to describe the nature of the meal: 'C'était plus qu'une collation, c'était un petit repas' (It was more than a snack, it was a small meal).
The phrase 'avoir une collation' (to have a snack) is very common. For example, 'J'ai eu une grosse faim, alors j'ai eu une collation.' (I was very hungry, so I had a snack). When discussing dietary habits, you might hear: 'Les habitudes alimentaires incluent souvent une collation l'après-midi.' (Eating habits often include an afternoon snack). The word fits naturally into discussions about food, daily routines, and well-being.
In a school setting, sentences like 'L'heure de la collation a sonné' (Snack time has sounded) are very typical. Or, 'Les enseignants surveillent la collation des élèves' (The teachers supervise the students' snacks). It can also be used to express a desire: 'J'ai envie d'une petite collation.' (I feel like a little snack). The context will usually clarify the type of food involved, but the word collation itself remains general.
When talking about events, you might say: 'Un buffet léger, c'est une sorte de collation.' (A light buffet is a type of snack/light meal). Or, 'La réunion sera suivie d'une collation.' (The meeting will be followed by a light meal/snack). This shows its use in more formal or organized settings.
The grammatical structure often involves the verb 'prendre' followed by 'une collation'. For example, 'Après mon jogging, je prends toujours une collation.' (After my jog, I always have a snack). It can also be used with adjectives: 'une collation saine' (a healthy snack), 'une collation rapide' (a quick snack).
Nous avons une collation à la récréation.
La collation de l'après-midi est souvent du yaourt.
Il faut prévoir une collation pour le voyage.
You will hear the word la collation frequently in everyday French conversations, especially in contexts related to food, daily routines, and childcare. It's a common term in families discussing what children will eat at school or at home. Parents might say to each other, 'N'oublie pas de mettre la collation dans le sac de Léo' (Don't forget to put the snack in Leo's bag). This is a very typical scenario in French households.
In French schools, the term is ubiquitous. Teachers might announce, 'C'est l'heure de la collation' (It's snack time), or remind students, 'Avez-vous tous pris votre collation?' (Have you all had your snack?). This is particularly true for younger children who have scheduled snack breaks.
You'll also hear it in cafés and bakeries when ordering something light to eat. While you might order a 'croissant' or a 'sandwich', if you are looking for something specific to tide you over between meals, you might ask, 'Avez-vous quelque chose pour une petite collation?' (Do you have something for a little snack?). This demonstrates a more general use of the term.
In workplaces, especially during meetings or breaks, the word might be used. For example, 'Nous ferons une pause pour une collation vers onze heures.' (We will take a break for a snack around eleven o'clock). This usage implies a lighter offering than a full lunch.
When people are discussing their eating habits or health, they might mention their collation. 'Je préfère une collation saine, comme des fruits, plutôt que des sucreries.' (I prefer a healthy snack, like fruit, rather than sweets). This highlights the personal choices involved in snacking.
In media, such as cookbooks or lifestyle magazines, you'll find recipes for 'collations' or discussions about the importance of balanced snacking. Advertisements for food products might also use the term to position their items as ideal for a collation.
The word is also heard in a more formal context, such as at events or receptions where light refreshments are served. The organizers might refer to the offerings as 'la collation servie' (the snack/light meal served). This usage can encompass a wider variety of finger foods and small dishes.
In summary, la collation is a very common and practical word that you'll encounter in many different situations in France, from informal family chats to more structured school or work environments, and even in discussions about healthy eating and events.
Le professeur a rappelé aux élèves de ne pas oublier leur collation.
J'ai acheté des fruits pour une collation rapide.
On se retrouve à midi pour une collation informelle.
One common mistake English speakers might make is to directly translate 'snack' as 'snack' in French, forgetting that la collation is the standard term. While 'snack' might be understood in some international contexts, using la collation ensures natural and correct French.
Another potential pitfall is confusing la collation with a full meal. While it's a light meal, it's not 'le déjeuner' (lunch) or 'le dîner' (dinner). Using la collation for a substantial meal would be incorrect. For example, saying 'Je prends une collation de trois plats' (I'm having a three-course snack) would sound very odd.
Confusion can also arise with the specific term 'goûter'. While 'goûter' is a type of collation (specifically, an afternoon snack, often for children), using 'goûter' for a mid-morning snack or a snack for an adult in a formal setting might not be as appropriate as 'collation'. La collation is the more general and versatile term.
Incorrectly using the article is another common error. While 'une collation' refers to any snack, 'la collation' refers to a specific, known snack. Using 'la' when referring to a general, unspecified snack can sound slightly unnatural. For example, 'Je veux manger la collation' (I want to eat the snack) implies a specific snack is being discussed.
Overusing the word or using it in situations where a more specific food item is appropriate is also a mistake. For instance, if you're ordering a full meal at a restaurant, you wouldn't refer to it as 'une collation'. It's specifically for light, in-between meals.
Finally, remember that 'collation' is a feminine noun. Forgetting this can lead to errors with agreement, for example, using masculine adjectives or articles. Always remember it's 'une bonne collation' and not 'un bon collation'.
Incorrect: Je veux manger un snack.
Correct: Je veux manger une collation.
Incorrect: C'est un gros collation.
Correct: C'est une grosse collation.
Incorrect: Je prends le dîner.
Correct: Je prends une collation.
When looking for alternatives to la collation, several French words come into play, each with slightly different nuances. The most direct synonym is 'l'en-cas'. This term is very similar in meaning, referring to something eaten between meals, often spontaneously or out of necessity. For example, 'J'ai mangé un en-cas dans le train' (I ate a snack on the train). Both la collation and 'l'en-cas' are generally interchangeable for a light snack.
A more specific term, particularly for children's afternoon snacks, is 'le goûter'. While technically a type of collation, 'goûter' is almost exclusively used for the snack children have in the afternoon, often around 4 PM. It can sometimes be used more broadly by adults, but 'collation' remains the more general term. For instance, 'Les enfants adorent leur goûter' (Children love their afternoon snack).
In informal contexts, especially among younger people or when referring to a quick bite, one might use 'une bouchée' (a mouthful) or 'une petite faim' (a little hunger, implying a small snack to satisfy it). However, these are less direct translations of 'snack' and more descriptive of the feeling or the act of eating a small amount.
When referring to food items commonly eaten as snacks, the specific names are used: 'un biscuit' (a biscuit/cookie), 'un fruit' (a fruit), 'un yaourt' (a yogurt), 'un morceau de fromage' (a piece of cheese), 'une barre de céréales' (a cereal bar). These are what might constitute 'une collation'.
In contrast to a collation are the main meals: 'le petit-déjeuner' (breakfast), 'le déjeuner' (lunch), and 'le dîner' (dinner). These are full meals and are not to be confused with a light snack.
The choice between la collation, 'l'en-cas', and 'le goûter' often depends on the time of day, the age of the person, and the level of formality. However, la collation is the most general and widely applicable term for a snack or light meal.
- Comparison Table
Term Meaning Usage La collation Snack, light meal General, any time of day, any age. L'en-cas Snack, something to eat between meals Similar to 'collation', often implies spontaneity or necessity. Le goûter Afternoon snack Specifically for afternoon, often for children.
Je vais prendre une collation avant le dîner.
Les enfants ont eu leur goûter à quatre heures.
J'ai mangé un en-cas rapide en rentrant.
按水平分级的例句
Je mange une pomme.
I eat an apple.
Simple present tense, indefinite article.
C'est bon.
It's good.
Basic adjective.
J'ai faim.
I am hungry.
Common expression for hunger.
Je bois de l'eau.
I drink water.
Verb 'boire', partitive article.
Un petit gâteau.
A small cake.
Adjective 'petit' modifying noun.
J'aime les fruits.
I like fruits.
Verb 'aimer', plural noun.
Je prends un biscuit.
I take a biscuit.
Verb 'prendre', indefinite article.
C'est l'heure du goûter.
It's snack time.
Expression for snack time.
Je prends une collation à dix heures.
I have a snack at ten o'clock.
Using 'prendre' with 'une collation', indicating time.
Ma mère prépare des sandwichs pour la collation.
My mother prepares sandwiches for the snack.
Verb 'préparer', plural noun, definite article.
Les enfants mangent des fruits pendant leur collation.
The children eat fruits during their snack.
Using 'pendant' to indicate duration.
Quelle est ta collation préférée ?
What is your favorite snack?
Interrogative adjective 'quelle', possessive adjective 'ta'.
Je préfère une collation saine.
I prefer a healthy snack.
Verb 'préférer', adjective 'saine' agreeing with 'collation'.
Il faut avoir une collation à l'école.
It is necessary to have a snack at school.
Impersonal expression 'il faut'.
J'ai mangé une collation rapide.
I ate a quick snack.
Adjective 'rapide' describing 'collation'.
La collation de l'après-midi est souvent du yaourt.
The afternoon snack is often yogurt.
Possessive structure, common food item.
Les élèves ont le droit à une collation à mi-matinée.
Students are entitled to a mid-morning snack.
Expression 'avoir le droit à', time specification 'mi-matinée'.
Pour éviter de trop manger au dîner, je prends une petite collation vers 17 heures.
To avoid eating too much at dinner, I have a small snack around 5 PM.
Infinitive clause of purpose 'pour éviter', preposition 'vers' for approximation.
La boulangerie propose une variété de collations salées et sucrées.
The bakery offers a variety of savory and sweet snacks.
Noun 'variété', adjectives 'salées' and 'sucrées' agreeing with 'collations'.
Il est important de choisir une collation nutritive pour les enfants.
It is important to choose a nutritious snack for children.
Infinitive clause, adjective 'nutritive' agreeing with 'collation'.
Après le sport, une collation composée de fruits et de noix est idéale.
After sports, a snack consisting of fruits and nuts is ideal.
Preposition 'après', noun 'composée de', adjective 'idéale'.
Certains travailleurs emportent leur propre collation pour éviter d'acheter à la machine.
Some workers bring their own snack to avoid buying from the machine.
Verb 'emporter', infinitive clause 'pour éviter'.
La collation servie lors de la conférence était très appréciée.
The snack served during the conference was much appreciated.
Past participle used as adjective 'servie', passive voice implied.
Je n'ai pas eu le temps de prendre ma collation ce matin.
I didn't have time to have my snack this morning.
Past tense, possessive adjective 'ma'.
Les habitudes alimentaires modernes incluent souvent une collation légère entre le déjeuner et le dîner.
Modern eating habits often include a light snack between lunch and dinner.
Abstract nouns, prepositional phrases indicating time intervals.
Il est conseillé de ne pas négliger la collation, car elle contribue à maintenir un niveau d'énergie stable.
It is advisable not to neglect the snack, as it contributes to maintaining a stable energy level.
Impersonal expression 'il est conseillé', gerund-like structure 'ne pas négliger', conjunction 'car'.
Dans certaines cultures, la collation de l'après-midi est un moment social important.
In some cultures, the afternoon snack is an important social moment.
Prepositional phrase 'dans certaines cultures', abstract noun 'moment social'.
La composition d'une collation équilibrée devrait idéalement inclure des protéines et des fibres.
The composition of a balanced snack should ideally include proteins and fibers.
Noun phrase 'composition d'une collation équilibrée', modal verb 'devrait', adverbs like 'idéalement'.
Les programmes scolaires visent à éduquer les enfants sur l'importance d'une collation saine.
School programs aim to educate children on the importance of a healthy snack.
Verb 'viser à', infinitive clause, prepositional phrase 'sur l'importance'.
Il m'est arrivé de prendre une collation copieuse avant un long voyage.
It has happened that I had a hearty snack before a long trip.
Impersonal construction 'il m'est arrivé de', adjective 'copieuse'.
La disponibilité de collations saines dans les écoles est une préoccupation croissante.
The availability of healthy snacks in schools is a growing concern.
Noun phrase 'disponibilité de collations saines', adjective 'croissante'.
Bien que ce soit une collation, elle était suffisamment consistante pour me tenir jusqu'au dîner.
Although it was a snack, it was substantial enough to keep me going until dinner.
Concessive clause 'Bien que', adjective 'consistante', idiomatic phrase 'tenir jusqu'à'.
La prolifération des aliments ultra-transformés soulève des questions quant à la qualité des collations proposées aux enfants.
The proliferation of ultra-processed foods raises questions about the quality of snacks offered to children.
Abstract nouns 'prolifération', 'qualité', 'questions'. Relative clause 'quant à la qualité'.
Les professionnels de la nutrition recommandent une approche personnalisée pour la gestion des collations, en tenant compte des besoins individuels.
Nutrition professionals recommend a personalized approach to snack management, taking into account individual needs.
Abstract nouns 'approche', 'gestion', 'besoins'. Gerund phrase 'en tenant compte'.
L'intégration de collations nutritives dans les programmes éducatifs est primordiale pour le développement cognitif des élèves.
The integration of nutritious snacks into educational programs is paramount for the cognitive development of students.
Abstract nouns 'intégration', 'développement cognitif'. Adjective 'primordiale'.
Face à la demande croissante pour des options plus saines, de nombreuses entreprises revoient leur offre de collations.
Faced with the growing demand for healthier options, many companies are reviewing their snack offerings.
Prepositional phrase 'Face à la demande'. Verb 'revoient' in present tense.
Il est essentiel de distinguer une collation occasionnelle d'une habitude alimentaire régulière et potentiellement problématique.
It is essential to distinguish an occasional snack from a regular and potentially problematic eating habit.
Infinitive clause 'Il est essentiel de distinguer'. Adjectives 'occasionnelle', 'régulière', 'problématique'.
La conception de collations adaptées aux besoins spécifiques des sportifs exige une expertise approfondie.
The design of snacks tailored to the specific needs of athletes requires in-depth expertise.
Noun phrase 'conception de collations adaptées'. Abstract noun 'expertise'.
Une collation judicieusement choisie peut non seulement satisfaire la faim, mais aussi améliorer la concentration et les performances cognitives.
A wisely chosen snack can not only satisfy hunger but also improve concentration and cognitive performance.
Adverb 'judicieusement'. Parallel structure with 'non seulement... mais aussi'.
Les stratégies de marketing exploitent souvent la notion de plaisir immédiat associé aux collations sucrées.
Marketing strategies often exploit the notion of immediate pleasure associated with sweet snacks.
Abstract nouns 'stratégies', 'notion', 'plaisir'. Past participle 'associées'.
La problématique de la sédentarité chez les jeunes générations est intrinsèquement liée à la qualité nutritionnelle des collations qu'ils consomment.
The issue of sedentary lifestyles among younger generations is intrinsically linked to the nutritional quality of the snacks they consume.
Complex noun phrases 'problématique de la sédentarité', 'qualité nutritionnelle'. Relative pronoun 'que'.
L'élaboration de directives claires concernant la composition et la commercialisation des collations destinées aux enfants représente un défi majeur pour les autorités sanitaires.
The development of clear guidelines regarding the composition and marketing of snacks intended for children represents a major challenge for health authorities.
Abstract nouns 'élaboration', 'directives', 'composition', 'commercialisation', 'défi'. Participle 'destinées'.
Il convient de distinguer la collation comme simple apport calorique et la collation comme vecteur d'apprentissages sensoriels et culturels.
It is appropriate to distinguish the snack as a simple caloric intake and the snack as a vector of sensory and cultural learning.
Impersonal 'Il convient de distinguer'. Abstract nouns 'apport calorique', 'vecteur d'apprentissages'.
L'anthropologie alimentaire éclaire la manière dont les collations s'inscrivent dans des rituels sociaux et familiaux, transcendant leur simple fonction nutritive.
Food anthropology sheds light on how snacks are integrated into social and family rituals, transcending their simple nutritional function.
Complex noun 'anthropologie alimentaire'. Verb 'éclaire', gerund 's'inscrivent', participle 'transcendant'.
La psychologie de la consommation analyse les motivations sous-jacentes à l'achat impulsif de collations, souvent déclenchées par des facteurs environnementaux ou émotionnels.
Consumer psychology analyzes the underlying motivations for the impulsive purchase of snacks, often triggered by environmental or emotional factors.
Abstract nouns 'psychologie', 'consommation', 'motivations', 'facteurs'. Past participle 'déclenchées'.
La standardisation des portions de collations dans l'industrie agroalimentaire vise à contrôler l'apport calorique, mais peut parfois occulter la complexité des besoins nutritionnels.
The standardization of snack portions in the agri-food industry aims to control caloric intake, but can sometimes obscure the complexity of nutritional needs.
Abstract nouns 'standardisation', 'apport calorique', 'complexité'. Gerund 'contrôler', verb 'occulter'.
Les enjeux liés à la promotion de collations saines auprès des enfants impliquent une collaboration étroite entre parents, éducateurs et fabricants.
The stakes related to the promotion of healthy snacks for children involve close collaboration between parents, educators, and manufacturers.
Abstract nouns 'enjeux', 'promotion', 'collaboration'. Prepositional phrase 'auprès des enfants'.
La perception d'une collation comme 'plaisir coupable' révèle des tensions culturelles autour de l'alimentation et de la culpabilité.
The perception of a snack as a 'guilty pleasure' reveals cultural tensions around food and guilt.
Abstract nouns 'perception', 'plaisir coupable', 'tensions', 'culpabilité'. Verb 'révèle'.
Summary
La collation is the general French term for a snack or light meal eaten between main meals, providing a necessary energy boost and preventing excessive hunger. It's a versatile word used across various contexts, from children's school breaks to adult work meetings.
- La collation is a French word for a snack or light meal between main meals.
- It's used for any small food intake to stave off hunger, common for children and adults.
- Think of it as a 'light meal' or a 'snack' to keep you energized.
- Commonly heard in families, schools, and cafes in France.
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à l'arrière de
B2At the back of; behind.
à l'heure
B1On time, punctual.
à vrai dire
B2说实话；老实说。
abîmé
A2损坏的
abordable
A2负担得起的，价格合理的；也指平易近人的（人）。
accélérateur
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accident
A2意外和突然发生的事件，通常会导致损坏或受伤。无意中发生的事故或意外。
accompagné
B1伴随的，陪同的。
achat
A2Purchase, the act of buying something.
activer
B2to activate, to enable
