Apéro, Dinner and Food Idioms in France
Share an apéro and a meal with French friends and use the food expressions that come up at every table.
In France the apéro, drinks and nibbles before dinner, is a ritual in itself, and dinner rarely starts before 8 pm. At the table bread sits straight on the cloth, cheese comes before dessert, and you wait for « Bon appétit » before you start. In restaurants a jug of tap water is free if you ask, and splitting the bill is common among friends, though some places only take one card per table.
- 1
On se fait un apéro ?
Shall we have an apéro?
- 2
Bon appétit !
Enjoy your meal!
- 3
À la tienne !
Cheers! (to a friend)
- 4
Je meurs de faim.
I'm starving.
- 5
C'est trop bon !
It's really good!
- 6
C'est du gâteau.
It's a piece of cake.
- 7
J'en peux plus !
I can't eat another bite.
- 8
Je suis gourmand.
I love my food.
- 9
On peut avoir une carafe d'eau ?
Can we have a jug of tap water?
- 10
Ça coûte les yeux de la tête.
It costs an arm and a leg.
- 11
J'ai la gueule de bois.
I've got a hangover.
- 12
Je prends un verre de rouge.
I'll have a glass of red.
- 13
Les carottes sont cuites.
We've had it.
- 14
Ça mange pas de pain.
It doesn't hurt to try.
- 15
Occupe-toi de tes oignons !
Mind your own business!
- 16
Je peux me resservir ?
Can I have seconds?
- 17
À point, s'il vous plaît.
Medium, please.
Tip: For a steak, to the waiter.
- 18
On partage l'addition ?
Shall we split the bill?
- 19
J'ai un petit creux.
I'm a bit peckish.
- 20
Ça sent bon !
Something smells good!