en plat
en plat 30秒了解
- Indicates the main part of a meal.
- Used in culinary contexts, especially restaurants.
- Distinguishes from starters and side dishes.
- Essential for ordering and discussing meals.
- Literal Meaning
- Literally, "in dish." This refers to the main part of a meal, as opposed to a starter or a side dish.
- Culinary Context
- In French cuisine, the 'plat principal' is the most substantial dish served during a meal, typically featuring meat, fish, or a vegetarian equivalent as the central element, accompanied by vegetables or starches.
- Everyday Usage
- When someone asks "Qu'est-ce qu'il y a en plat?" or states "Je prends ça en plat," they are inquiring about or ordering the main course at a restaurant or discussing what will be served as the primary dish at a meal.
- Beyond Food
- While primarily used in a culinary context, the concept of a 'main' or 'central' element can sometimes be extended metaphorically, though this is less common for the adverbial form 'en plat' itself. More often, the noun 'plat' (dish) or 'plat principal' would be used.
- Nuance of Formality
- The phrase is very common and generally considered neutral in terms of formality. It's used in everyday conversations, menus, and restaurant settings. It's not overly formal or informal.
Pour le dîner, nous avons prévu une excellente pièce de bœuf en plat principal.
Le chef propose un poisson frais en plat du jour.
J'aimerais commencer par une salade et ensuite prendre le poulet en plat.
- Introducing the Main Course
- The most direct use of 'en plat' is to specify that something is being served as the main course. This often follows a mention of a starter or precedes a dessert. For example, after ordering a soup, you might say, "Et ensuite, je voudrais le steak en plat." (And next, I would like the steak as the main course.) This clearly distinguishes it from any preceding or succeeding items.
- Describing a Dish's Role
- You can use 'en plat' to describe the intended role of a food item within a meal. For instance, "Le saumon peut être servi en entrée ou en plat principal." (Salmon can be served as a starter or as a main course.) Here, it clarifies the serving option for the salmon.
- In Restaurant Menus and Orders
- 'En plat' is frequently encountered when ordering food. A waiter might ask, "Que désirez-vous en plat?" (What would you like as a main course?) or a customer might say, "Je vais prendre le canard en plat." (I'll have the duck as the main course.) It's a standard way to communicate your choice for the central part of your meal.
- Referring to a 'Dish of the Day'
- While 'plat du jour' is a fixed expression for 'dish of the day', 'en plat' can be used in conjunction with it or similar phrases. For example, "Le plat du jour est un excellent ragoût, parfait en plat pour un soir d'hiver." (The dish of the day is an excellent stew, perfect as a main course for a winter evening.)
- Contrasting with Other Courses
- The phrase is useful for explicit contrast. "Après la soupe, nous aurons le rôti en plat, suivi d'un dessert." (After the soup, we will have the roast as the main course, followed by a dessert.) This structure clearly delineates the sequence and role of each part of the meal.
L'agneau est notre spécialité en plat ce soir.
Elle a commandé le poisson grillé en plat, car elle est végétarienne et ne mange pas de viande.
Le serveur a suggéré le bœuf bourguignon en plat, et il avait raison, c'était délicieux.
- Restaurant Settings
- This is arguably the most common place to hear 'en plat'. Waiters use it when taking orders: "Et pour le plat principal?" (And for the main course?) or "Que désirez-vous en plat?" (What would you like as a main course?). Customers also use it when ordering: "Je prends le steak en plat." (I'll have the steak as the main course.) You'll see it on menus, often in phrases like 'plat du jour' or simply listed among the main dishes.
- Family Meals and Gatherings
- When preparing or discussing a home-cooked meal, especially one with multiple courses, 'en plat' is used to refer to the central dish. For example, someone might say, "Pour l'anniversaire de mamie, j'ai préparé un gigot d'agneau en plat." (For grandma's birthday, I prepared a leg of lamb as the main course.) It helps clarify what the substantial part of the meal will be.
- Cooking Shows and Food Blogs
- Chefs and food writers use 'en plat' when describing recipes or discussing culinary techniques. They might explain, "This sauce is designed to be served en plat with roasted chicken," or "We're featuring a vegetarian option en plat this week." It's standard culinary terminology.
- Conversations about Food Preferences
- When people discuss what they like to eat or what they're craving, 'en plat' can come up. "J'ai vraiment envie d'un bon cassoulet en plat aujourd'hui." (I'm really craving a good cassoulet as a main course today.) This usage emphasizes the desire for that specific dish as the core of a meal.
- Travel and Cultural Discussions
- When discussing French cuisine or travel in France, 'en plat' is a natural part of the vocabulary. Someone might share their experience: "Dans ce restaurant en Provence, j'ai mangé une ratatouille exceptionnelle en plat." (In that restaurant in Provence, I ate an exceptional ratatouille as a main course.)
Au restaurant, le serveur m'a demandé : 'Et comme plat principal ?' J'ai répondu : 'Je prendrai le magret de canard en plat.'
Dans une émission de cuisine, le chef a dit : 'Ce risotto crémeux est parfait en plat pour un repas végétarien.'
Lors d'un dîner chez des amis, la maîtresse de maison a annoncé : 'Le rôti de porc sera notre plat ce soir.'
- Confusing with 'Plat' (Dish)
- A common pitfall for learners is to simply use 'plat' when 'en plat' is required. 'Plat' means 'dish' in a general sense (e.g., 'une assiette de pâtes' - a plate of pasta). However, 'en plat' specifies that this dish is serving as the *main course*. So, saying "Je voudrais pâtes plat" is incorrect. You need to say, "Je voudrais les pâtes en plat." This distinction is crucial in culinary contexts.
- Incorrect Placement or Omission of 'en'
- The preposition 'en' is essential. Omitting it, as in "Je prends le poulet plat," is grammatically incorrect and would sound unnatural. Similarly, using a different preposition, like "Je prends le poulet à plat," would change the meaning entirely (it might imply serving something flat or laying something flat). The structure 'en + noun' often signifies a role or a state, and here 'en plat' signifies the role of 'main course'.
- Overuse or Misapplication
- While 'en plat' is common, it's specifically for the main course. You wouldn't typically use it for a starter ('une entrée') or a side dish ('un accompagnement'). For example, saying "La salade est servie en plat" would be unusual unless the salad is indeed the substantial main meal, which is less common in traditional French dining. It's best reserved for the primary, most significant dish.
- Confusing with 'Plat' as an Adjective
- The word 'plat' can also be an adjective meaning 'flat'. For instance, "une table plate" (a flat table). Learners might mistakenly think 'en plat' means 'in a flat way' or something similar. This is incorrect. The adverbial phrase 'en plat' in a culinary context exclusively refers to the main course.
- Using 'en plat principal' Incorrectly
- While 'en plat principal' is a valid and common phrase meaning 'as the main dish', learners might sometimes try to shorten it incorrectly or use 'en plat' in situations where 'en plat principal' would be clearer. For example, if the context is ambiguous, using 'en plat principal' removes any doubt that you are referring to the main course, whereas 'en plat' alone could, in very rare, highly specific contexts, refer to something else if not understood by the listener.
Incorrect: Je prends la soupe plat.
Correct: Je prends la soupe en entrée.
Correct: Je prends le poulet en plat.
Incorrect: Le poisson est un plat.
Correct: Le poisson est servi en plat.
Incorrect: J'ai mangé un plat de pâtes.
Correct: J'ai mangé des pâtes en plat principal.
- Plat Principal
- This is the most direct and explicit alternative. While 'en plat' implies 'as the main course', 'plat principal' literally means 'main course' or 'main dish'. You can often substitute one for the other, though the grammatical structure might change. For example, "Le poulet est mon plat principal préféré." (Chicken is my favorite main course.) In a sentence like "Je prends le poulet en plat principal," it is very similar to "Je prends le poulet en plat." 'En plat principal' is slightly more formal and specific.
- Plat du Jour
- This means 'dish of the day'. While it refers to a specific dish being offered, it doesn't inherently mean it's the main course. The 'plat du jour' could be a starter or a main. However, it is very common for the 'plat du jour' to *be* the main course. So, in a restaurant context, if the 'plat du jour' is a hearty meal, one might say, "Le plat du jour est un ragoût, parfait en plat." (The dish of the day is a stew, perfect as a main course.)
- Entrée
- This is the French word for 'starter' or 'appetizer' in most contexts, especially in North America. In France, 'entrée' can sometimes refer to the dish that precedes the main course, but it is distinct from the 'plat principal'. You would never use 'en plat' to refer to an 'entrée'.
- Accompagnement
- This means 'side dish' or 'accompaniment'. These are the dishes served alongside the main course, such as vegetables, potatoes, or rice. You would not use 'en plat' for an 'accompagnement'.
- Le plat de résistance
- This is a more formal or literary term for the main course, directly translating to 'the dish of resistance' or 'the substantial dish'. It's less common in everyday spoken French than 'plat principal' or the use of 'en plat' to denote the main course.
Alternative: Le saumon est mon plat principal préféré.
Similar use: Je voudrais le saumon en plat.
Contextual Alternative: Le plat du jour est un excellent rôti, parfait en plat.
Distinction: La salade est une entrée, pas un plat principal.
How Formal Is It?
趣味小知识
The word 'plat' is cognate with the English word 'plate', both stemming from the same Latin root. This highlights the shared linguistic ancestry between French and English, particularly in terms related to everyday objects and concepts.
发音指南
- Pronouncing 'en' as a separate syllable with a distinct 'n' sound.
- Not nasalizing the 'en' vowel.
- Incorrect vowel sound for 'a'.
难度评级
The CEFR A2 level indicates that learners can understand simple texts related to familiar topics, including food. Recognizing 'en plat' in menus or simple dialogues is achievable at this level.
接下来学什么
前置知识
接下来学习
高级
需要掌握的语法
Use of prepositions with meals
On mange 'à' la cantine, 'au' restaurant, 'en' France. Pour les plats: 'en plat', 'en entrée', 'en dessert'.
Adverbial phrases
'En plat' functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying the verb or describing the role of the noun (the food item).
Agreement of adjectives
When 'plat' is used as an adjective (e.g., 'une table plate'), it agrees in gender and number with the noun. However, 'en plat' is an adverbial phrase and does not agree.
Verb + preposition + noun structures
Many verbs in French are followed by specific prepositions (e.g., 'penser à', 'parler de'). 'Prendre en plat' is one such common structure in a culinary context.
Using 'en' to denote role or function
Similar to 'en plat', 'en tant que' (as) or 'en général' (in general) use 'en' to specify a role or state.
按水平分级的例句
Je veux manger.
I want to eat.
Basic verb conjugation.
C'est bon.
It's good.
Simple adjective agreement.
Je prends ça.
I'll take this.
Demonstrative pronoun.
Qu'est-ce que c'est?
What is it?
Interrogative phrase.
J'ai faim.
I am hungry.
Idiomatic expression for hunger.
On mange quoi?
What are we eating?
Informal question structure.
Le dîner est prêt.
Dinner is ready.
Simple sentence structure.
C'est un plat.
It's a dish.
Basic noun usage.
Je voudrais le poulet en plat.
I would like the chicken as the main course.
Using 'en plat' to specify the main course.
Qu'est-ce que vous avez en plat aujourd'hui?
What do you have as a main course today?
Question about the main dish.
Le poisson est servi en plat.
The fish is served as the main course.
Passive voice with 'en plat'.
Pour le plat, je vais prendre la salade.
For the main course, I will take the salad.
Specifying the main course choice.
Ce plat est délicieux.
This dish is delicious.
Describing a dish.
Nous avons une option végétarienne en plat.
We have a vegetarian option as the main course.
Offering a main course option.
Après l'entrée, j'ai choisi le bœuf en plat.
After the starter, I chose the beef as the main course.
Sequencing meal courses with 'en plat'.
Le menu propose trois plats.
The menu offers three dishes.
General use of 'plat'.
Le chef recommande le canard confit en plat.
The chef recommends the duck confit as the main course.
Recommendation using 'en plat'.
J'ai trouvé que le plat était un peu trop salé.
I found that the main course was a bit too salty.
Expressing an opinion about the main course.
Est-ce que ce plat peut être servi sans gluten?
Can this dish be served gluten-free?
Inquiring about dietary restrictions for a main dish.
Pour le plat principal, ils ont proposé un risotto aux champignons.
For the main course, they offered a mushroom risotto.
Describing the main course offering.
Elle a opté pour le plat végétarien, qui était une œuvre d'art.
She opted for the vegetarian main course, which was a work of art.
Describing a vegetarian main course.
Le restaurant est réputé pour son agneau en plat.
The restaurant is renowned for its lamb as a main course.
Highlighting a restaurant's specialty main course.
Il préfère manger léger en plat.
He prefers to eat light as a main course.
Preference for a lighter main course.
Nous avons dégusté le plat du jour, un excellent poisson.
We tasted the dish of the day, an excellent fish.
Experiencing the dish of the day.
Le menu propose une sélection de plats traditionnels et modernes.
The menu offers a selection of traditional and modern dishes.
General menu description.
Elle a choisi de partager une grande assiette de fruits de mer en plat.
She chose to share a large seafood platter as the main course.
Sharing a main course.
Le vin rouge s'accordait parfaitement avec le plat de gibier.
The red wine paired perfectly with the game dish.
Pairing wine with a main course.
Il est important de bien équilibrer les saveurs lorsque l'on prépare un plat.
It is important to balance the flavors well when preparing a dish.
Culinary advice on preparing a main dish.
Les critiques culinaires ont loué la créativité du plat végétalien.
The food critics praised the creativity of the vegan main course.
Praise for a vegan main course.
Ce restaurant propose une formule où l'on choisit un plat et un dessert.
This restaurant offers a set menu where you choose a main course and a dessert.
Describing a meal deal involving a main course.
Il a expliqué que le secret de son plat résidait dans la cuisson lente.
He explained that the secret of his dish lay in slow cooking.
Explaining the preparation of a main dish.
L'ambiance du restaurant ajoutait au plaisir de déguster ce plat.
The restaurant's ambiance added to the pleasure of tasting this dish.
Enjoying a main course in a pleasant atmosphere.
La carte des vins propose des accords mets et vins pour chaque plat.
The wine list offers food and wine pairings for each main course.
Detailed wine pairing for main courses.
Il a fallu attendre près d'une heure pour que le plat principal soit servi.
It took almost an hour for the main course to be served.
Discussing the service time for a main course.
Le critique a souligné l'audace du chef dans la composition de ce plat novateur.
The critic highlighted the chef's boldness in composing this innovative main course.
Analyzing the innovation in a main dish.
Elle a magistralement réussi à transformer des ingrédients simples en un plat d'exception.
She masterfully succeeded in transforming simple ingredients into an exceptional main course.
Skillful preparation of a main dish.
Le restaurant a décidé de mettre en avant un plat signature pour attirer la clientèle.
The restaurant decided to highlight a signature dish to attract customers.
Promoting a signature main course.
La présentation du plat était aussi soignée que sa saveur.
The presentation of the main course was as meticulous as its flavor.
Appreciating the presentation and taste of a main course.
Il a expliqué la philosophie derrière son plat, axée sur les produits locaux.
He explained the philosophy behind his main course, focusing on local produce.
Explaining the concept behind a main dish.
Le succès de ce plat a conduit à son ajout permanent à la carte.
The success of this main course led to its permanent addition to the menu.
The impact of a successful main dish.
L'art culinaire réside dans la capacité à transcender les ingrédients pour créer un plat mémorable.
Culinary art lies in the ability to transcend ingredients to create a memorable main course.
Philosophical statement about culinary art and main courses.
La déstructuration de ce plat classique a suscité un débat animé parmi les gastronomes.
The deconstruction of this classic dish sparked lively debate among gourmets.
Analyzing avant-garde culinary techniques applied to a main course.
Il a soutenu que le plat était une parfaite métaphore de la complexité des relations humaines.
He argued that the dish was a perfect metaphor for the complexity of human relationships.
Metaphorical interpretation of a main course.
La réinterprétation audacieuse de ce plat ancestral a valu au chef une reconnaissance internationale.
The bold reinterpretation of this ancestral dish earned the chef international recognition.
Recognition for innovative take on a traditional main course.
Le critique a disséqué chaque élément du plat, en appréciant la synergie des saveurs.
The critic dissected each element of the main course, appreciating the synergy of flavors.
In-depth analysis of a main dish's components and flavors.
Elle a réussi à évoquer des souvenirs d'enfance à travers la simplicité réconfortante de son plat.
She succeeded in evoking childhood memories through the comforting simplicity of her main course.
Emotional connection to a main course.
L'équilibre subtil entre les textures et les arômes faisait de ce plat une expérience gustative inoubliable.
The subtle balance between textures and aromas made this main course an unforgettable taste experience.
Describing a multi-sensory experience of a main course.
Le chef a défendu sa vision du plat, insistant sur la primauté de la qualité des ingrédients.
The chef defended his vision of the main course, insisting on the primacy of ingredient quality.
Chef's defense of their main course philosophy.
常见搭配
常用短语
— I'll have the chicken as the main course.
Waiter: "Et pour le plat?" Customer: "Je prends le poulet en plat."
— What is there as a main course today?
At a restaurant: "Qu'est-ce qu'il y a en plat aujourd'hui?" The waiter lists the specials.
— The main course is...
The host announces: "Le plat principal est un rôti de porc." (The main course is a roast pork.)
— It's a very successful dish.
After tasting: "C'est un plat très réussi!" (It's a very successful dish!)
— I prefer a light main course.
Customer: "Je préfère un plat léger, peut-être du poisson." (I prefer a light main course, perhaps fish.)
— The dish of the day is...
Waiter: "Le plat du jour est un filet de bar." (The dish of the day is a sea bass fillet.)
— Is this dish vegetarian?
Customer: "Est-ce que ce plat est végétarien?" (Is this dish vegetarian?)
— A generous portion as a main course.
The waiter says: "Voici une portion généreuse en plat pour vous." (Here is a generous portion as a main course for you.)
— He ordered the main course.
At a formal dinner: "Il a commandé le plat de résistance." (He ordered the main course.)
— This dish is excellent with this wine.
Sommelier: "Ce plat est excellent avec ce vin blanc." (This dish is excellent with this white wine.)
容易混淆的词
'Plat' is a noun meaning 'dish' or 'plate'. 'En plat' is an adverbial phrase meaning 'as a main course'. You wouldn't say 'Je prends le poulet plat' (incorrect), but 'Je prends le poulet en plat' (correct).
The adjective 'plat' means 'flat' (e.g., 'une table plate'). It is unrelated in meaning to the adverbial phrase 'en plat' which refers to the main course.
'Entrée' typically means 'starter' or 'appetizer', the course before the main course. 'En plat' specifically refers to the main course itself.
习语与表达
— To pull out all the stops; to make a special effort, especially for a meal or occasion. It implies preparing a very elaborate or festive meal.
Pour l'anniversaire de sa fille, elle a mis les petits plats dans les grands.
Informal— To have a bad taste in the mouth, often due to something unpleasant that has happened or been said. It's a figurative expression related to taste but not directly to food.
Après cette dispute, j'ai le plat à la bouche.
Informal— The main course of a meal, often implying a substantial or important dish. This is a more formal or literary way to refer to the main dish.
Le plat de résistance de ce repas était un faisan rôti.
Formal— To be the main attraction or the most important part of something.
Dans cette pièce de théâtre, c'est le personnage principal qui est le plat de résistance.
Figurative/Formal— A simple, humble, or inexpensive dish, often associated with poverty or basic sustenance. It implies a lack of luxury.
Ce soir, ce sera un plat de pauvre : des œufs et des pommes de terre.
Informal— To make oneself a meal, often a simple or quick one.
Je vais me faire un plat rapide avant de sortir.
Informal— A dish of fried food, typically a mix of various fried items.
Pour l'apéritif, nous avons commandé un plat de friture.
Neutral— A dish that constitutes an entire meal on its own, often containing a balance of protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables.
La paella est un excellent exemple de plat unique.
Neutral— A dish ordered from the menu, as opposed to part of a set menu or a fixed-price meal.
J'ai préféré choisir un plat à la carte pour plus de liberté.
Neutral— The dish of the day, usually a special offer or a chef's recommendation.
Le plat du jour aujourd'hui est un confit de canard.
Neutral容易混淆
Both 'plat' and 'en plat' involve the word 'plat'.
'Plat' is a noun that can mean 'dish' or 'plate'. 'En plat' is an adverbial phrase meaning 'as a main course'. You order 'un plat' (a dish), but you specify that you want it 'en plat' (as the main course). For example, 'J'ai commandé un plat de pâtes' (I ordered a dish of pasta), but 'Je voudrais les pâtes en plat' (I would like the pasta as the main course).
C'est un bon plat. Je vais le prendre en plat principal.
Both 'entrée' and 'en plat' refer to parts of a meal.
'Entrée' generally refers to the starter or appetizer, the first course. 'En plat' refers to the main course, the central dish of the meal. For example, 'Après l'entrée, je prendrai le poisson en plat.' (After the starter, I will have the fish as the main course.)
La salade est une entrée, le steak est un plat.
Both are parts of a meal served together.
'Accompagnement' means 'side dish' (e.g., vegetables, potatoes) that is served alongside the main course. 'En plat' refers to the main dish itself. For example, 'Le poulet en plat est servi avec des pommes de terre en accompagnement.' (The chicken as the main course is served with potatoes as a side dish.)
Le poulet est le plat, les haricots verts sont l'accompagnement.
Very similar meaning and usage.
'Plat principal' is a noun phrase that literally means 'main course'. 'En plat' is an adverbial phrase that means 'as a main course'. They are often interchangeable in function. For example, 'Je prends le bœuf en plat' and 'Je prends le bœuf en plat principal' convey very similar meanings in a restaurant context.
Je voudrais le bœuf en plat. / Je voudrais le bœuf en plat principal.
Both refer to a dish offered in a restaurant.
'Plat du jour' means 'dish of the day', which could be a starter or a main course. 'En plat' specifically denotes the main course. Often, the 'plat du jour' *is* the main course, but the terms are not always synonymous. For example, 'Le plat du jour est une soupe' (The dish of the day is a soup - a starter), versus 'Le plat du jour est un rôti' (The dish of the day is a roast - likely the main course).
Le plat du jour est un poisson, parfait en plat.
句型
Je prends [food item] en plat.
Je prends le poulet en plat.
Qu'est-ce qu'il y a en plat?
Qu'est-ce qu'il y a en plat ce soir?
Le [food item] est servi en plat.
Le saumon est servi en plat avec des légumes.
Pour le plat, je choisis [food item].
Pour le plat, je choisis le bœuf bourguignon.
Ce [food item] est idéal en plat.
Ce risotto crémeux est idéal en plat.
Le restaurant propose [food item] en plat.
Le restaurant propose un magret de canard en plat.
La composition de ce plat est...
La composition de ce plat est audacieuse et innovante.
Il a expliqué la philosophie derrière son plat.
Il a expliqué la philosophie derrière son plat, axée sur les produits locaux.
词族
名词
动词
形容词
相关
如何使用
Very common, especially in culinary contexts.
-
Using 'plat' alone instead of 'en plat'.
→
Je prends le steak en plat.
Saying 'Je prends le steak plat' is incorrect. 'En plat' specifies the role of the steak as the main course.
-
Confusing 'en plat' with 'entrée'.
→
L'entrée est une soupe, et le plat est du poulet.
'Entrée' means starter, and 'en plat' means main course. They are distinct parts of a meal.
-
Omitting the preposition 'en'.
→
Je voudrais le poisson en plat.
The preposition 'en' is essential to form the adverbial phrase indicating the role of the dish.
-
Using 'en plat' for a side dish.
→
Le poulet est le plat, et les haricots verts sont l'accompagnement.
'En plat' refers to the main dish, not a side dish ('accompagnement').
-
Using 'en plat' for dessert.
→
Après le plat principal, je prendrai un dessert.
'En plat' is for the main course; dessert is a separate course.
小贴士
Visualize the Plate
Imagine a large, flat plate ('plat') holding the most important part of your meal. This visual can help you remember that 'en plat' signifies the main course.
Preposition 'en'
Remember that 'en' is crucial here, indicating the role or function of the dish. Omitting it or using another preposition would be incorrect.
Related Terms
Learn related terms like 'entrée' (starter) and 'dessert' to fully understand the structure of a French meal and where 'en plat' fits in.
Order in French
The best way to master 'en plat' is to practice ordering food in French. Try saying, 'Je voudrais le [dish name] en plat,' to your French-speaking friends or even yourself!
French Meal Structure
Understanding the typical French meal structure (entrée, plat principal, dessert) will help you grasp the significance and usage of 'en plat'.
Nasal Vowel
Pay attention to the nasal vowel sound in 'en' (/ɑ̃/). It's a common feature of French pronunciation and is key to saying 'en plat' correctly.
Synonym 'Plat Principal'
Know that 'plat principal' is a very common and often interchangeable term for 'main course'. Using either will generally be understood.
Avoid 'Plat' Alone
Don't just say 'Je prends le poulet plat' when you mean 'as the main course'. Use the full phrase 'en plat' or 'en plat principal' for clarity.
Menu Reading
When reading French menus, look for items listed under 'Plats Principaux' or phrases like '[Dish] en plat' to identify the main courses.
记住它
记忆技巧
Imagine a large, flat plate ('plat') that is the main course ('en plat') of your meal, holding a substantial amount of food. The 'en' signifies its role as the central part.
视觉联想
Picture a grand, flat platter ('plat') being presented as the centerpiece ('en plat') of a feast. The flatness emphasizes its role as a foundational dish.
Word Web
挑战
Try to describe your last meal, identifying what was 'en plat', what was 'en entrée', and what was 'en dessert'.
词源
The word 'plat' originates from the Latin word 'plattus', meaning 'flat'. This likely relates to the shape of a dish or a flat surface. The preposition 'en' is a very common French preposition derived from Latin 'in', used here to denote a role or state.
原始含义: Originally, 'plat' referred to something flat. In a culinary context, it evolved to mean a dish, likely because dishes were historically flat plates.
Indo-European > Italic > Latin > Romance > Gallo-Romance > French文化背景
The term 'en plat' is neutral and widely used in all social contexts related to food. There are no particular sensitivities associated with its usage.
In English-speaking countries, the term 'main course' is directly equivalent. While 'dish' can refer to any prepared food, 'main dish' or 'main course' specifically denotes the central part of a meal.
在生活中练习
真实语境
Ordering food at a restaurant.
- Je voudrais le poulet en plat.
- Qu'est-ce que vous avez en plat aujourd'hui?
- Le plat du jour, s'il vous plaît.
Discussing a meal at home.
- Pour le plat, j'ai fait un rôti.
- Le plat principal sera du poisson.
- On mange quoi en plat ce soir?
Reading a menu.
- Plats principaux
- En plat: Boeuf bourguignon
- Option végétarienne en plat
Talking about food preferences.
- Je préfère un plat léger.
- J'adore ce plat.
- Quel est votre plat préféré?
Describing a culinary experience.
- Le plat était exceptionnel.
- La présentation du plat était magnifique.
- Ce plat m'a rappelé mon enfance.
Inquiring about dietary needs.
- Est-ce que ce plat est sans gluten?
- Ce plat convient-il aux végétariens?
- Il y a une option sans lactose en plat?
对话开场白
"Quel est votre plat préféré en France?"
"Si vous deviez choisir un seul plat pour le reste de votre vie, lequel choisiriez-vous?"
"Quel est le plat le plus mémorable que vous ayez jamais mangé?"
"Comment décririez-vous le plat principal d'un repas de fête idéal?"
"Préférez-vous commander un plat à la carte ou un menu fixe?"
日记主题
Décrivez en détail le dernier plat principal que vous avez commandé au restaurant. Qu'est-ce qui l'a rendu spécial?
Imaginez que vous créez un nouveau plat principal. Décrivez ses ingrédients, sa préparation et pourquoi il serait unique.
Comment le concept de 'plat principal' diffère-t-il dans différentes cultures culinaires que vous connaissez?
Écrivez une courte critique d'un plat principal que vous avez récemment dégusté, en mentionnant sa présentation, ses saveurs et sa texture.
Pensez à un plat réconfortant de votre enfance. Décrivez-le et expliquez pourquoi il occupe une place spéciale dans votre mémoire.
常见问题
10 个问题The word 'plat' by itself is a noun meaning 'dish' or 'plate'. For example, 'J'ai commandé un plat de pâtes' (I ordered a dish of pasta). 'En plat', on the other hand, is an adverbial phrase that means 'as a main course'. It specifies the role of a dish within a meal. So, you might say, 'Je prends les pâtes en plat' (I'll have the pasta as the main course), distinguishing it from a starter or side dish.
Generally, 'en plat' is used to refer to the main, most substantial part of a meal. While technically one could say 'une salade en plat' if the salad is meant to be a full meal, it's more commonly used for dishes containing protein (meat, fish) or hearty vegetarian main components. It's less common for light starters or side dishes.
'En plat' is a very common and versatile phrase used in both informal and neutral settings, especially in restaurants and everyday conversations about food. For more formal contexts, 'plat principal' or 'plat de résistance' might be preferred, but 'en plat' is perfectly acceptable.
Literally, 'en' means 'in' or 'as', and 'plat' means 'dish' or 'plate'. So, 'en plat' translates to something like 'in dish' or 'as dish'. However, its idiomatic meaning is 'as a main course'.
You use 'en plat' when you want to specify that a particular dish is serving as the main course of a meal. If you just say 'un plat', you are referring to a dish in a general sense. For example, 'C'est un plat délicieux' (It's a delicious dish) vs. 'Je prends ce plat en plat' (I'll have this dish as the main course).
Yes, the most direct alternative is 'plat principal', which literally means 'main course'. You can often substitute 'en plat' with 'en plat principal'. For example, 'Je prends le poulet en plat' is very similar to 'Je prends le poulet en plat principal'.
While 'en plat' refers to the main course, which is typically a substantial portion, it doesn't strictly dictate the size. However, it implies a more significant serving than an 'entrée' or an 'accompagnement'. Sometimes phrases like 'portion généreuse en plat' are used to emphasize the size.
No, 'en plat' is specifically for the main course. Desserts are referred to as 'dessert' or 'une douceur'. For example, you would not say 'Je prends le gâteau en plat'.
Yes, 'en plat' and 'plat principal' are understood and used in Quebec French, particularly in culinary contexts and when dining out, similar to its usage in France.
The pronunciation is /ɑ̃ ˈpla/. The 'en' is a nasal vowel sound, and the stress is on 'plat'.
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Summary
Use 'en plat' to specify that a food item is being served as the main course, distinguishing it from starters and side dishes, particularly in restaurant settings and meal discussions.
- Indicates the main part of a meal.
- Used in culinary contexts, especially restaurants.
- Distinguishes from starters and side dishes.
- Essential for ordering and discussing meals.
Context is Key
Always consider the context. If you're discussing a meal, especially in a restaurant, 'en plat' is likely referring to the main course. If someone is just talking about food in general, 'plat' might just mean 'dish'.
Visualize the Plate
Imagine a large, flat plate ('plat') holding the most important part of your meal. This visual can help you remember that 'en plat' signifies the main course.
Preposition 'en'
Remember that 'en' is crucial here, indicating the role or function of the dish. Omitting it or using another preposition would be incorrect.
Related Terms
Learn related terms like 'entrée' (starter) and 'dessert' to fully understand the structure of a French meal and where 'en plat' fits in.
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