French Phrase
On déjeune à la cantine.
Meaning
The sentence states that we (or people in general) have lunch at the cafeteria. It can describe a daily routine, a plan for the day, or simply report where the lunch takes place.
When to use
Use this phrase when talking about your regular lunch spot at school, university, or work, or when you want to tell someone where you’ll be eating around midday.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Ondéjeuneàlacantine
On (impersonal / we)
"On" is the most common way to say "we" in spoken French; it can also mean "people in general".
déjeune (present of déjeuner)
"Déjeune" is the third‑person singular present form of the verb "déjeuner" (to have lunch).
à la (preposition + article)
"à" indicates location; combined with the definite article "la" it means "at the".
cantine (noun)
"Cantine" refers to a cafeteria, usually in a school or workplace, where a simple, affordable meal is served.
🗨In Conversation
On déjeune à la cantine aujourd'hui?
Are we having lunch at the cafeteria today?
Oui, c'est plus pratique que d'aller dehors.
Yes, it’s more convenient than going out.
✕Common Mistakes
On déjeuné à la cantine.
"Déjeuné" is the past participle; you need the present form "déjeune" for a current action.
On déjeune à le cantine.
The article must agree with the feminine noun: "la cantine".
On mangeons à la cantine.
"Mangeons" is correct but changes the register; "déjeune" is the idiomatic verb for lunch.
↔Alternatives
Nous déjeunons à la cantine.
We have lunch at the cafeteria.
Je déjeune à la cantine.
I have lunch at the cafeteria.
On mange à la cantine.
We eat at the cafeteria.
Cultural Tip
In France, "cantine" usually refers to a school or workplace cafeteria where meals are subsidised and served quickly. The verb "déjeuner" is the standard word for "lunch" (the midday meal), while "dîner" is the evening meal. Using "on" instead of "nous" sounds more natural in everyday conversation.