French Phrase
Tu veux une entrée ?
Meaning
This phrase is a casual way to ask someone if they would like to have a starter before the main course. It uses the informal 'tu' form of the verb 'vouloir', which means 'to want'. Note that in French, an 'entrée' is the first course, not the main dish.
When to use
Use this when dining with friends, family, or people you are on familiar terms with. It is perfect for casual restaurant settings or home dinners when deciding on the menu.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Tuveuxuneentrée?
Vouloir (veux)
This is the 'tu' form of the irregular verb 'vouloir'. It is used for informal requests or offers.
Une entrée
The noun 'entrée' is feminine, so we use the feminine article 'une'. In French, this refers to the starter of a meal.
🗨In Conversation
J'ai très faim ce soir.
I am very hungry tonight.
Tu veux une entrée ?
Do you want an appetizer?
✕Common Mistakes
Tu veux un entrée ?
The word 'entrée' is feminine, so it requires the feminine article 'une' instead of the masculine 'un'.
Tu veux le entrée ?
Because 'entrée' starts with a vowel, you must use 'l'entrée' for the definite article, or 'une entrée' for the indefinite.
↔Alternatives
Voulez-vous une entrée ?
Would you like an appetizer? (Formal)
On prend une entrée ?
Shall we get an appetizer?
Cultural Tip
In France, the sequence of a meal is very important. The 'entrée' is always the first course, followed by the 'plat principal' (main dish). Confusing these terms is a common mistake for English speakers from North America where 'entrée' often means the main course.