French Phrase
Je prends des tartines et du café.
Meaning
This phrase describes a classic French breakfast routine. The verb 'prendre' is used here to mean 'to have' or 'to consume' rather than its literal meaning 'to take'. It also demonstrates the use of partitive articles for unspecified quantities of food and drink.
When to use
Use this phrase when describing your morning habits to a friend or when ordering a simple breakfast at a French café. It is a standard, polite way to state what you are eating and drinking.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Jeprendsdestartinesetducafé
Prendre
The verb 'prendre' is the most natural way to say 'to have' a meal, food, or a drink in French.
Partitive Articles
Use 'des' (plural) and 'du' (masculine singular) to express 'some' or an unspecified quantity of something.
🗨In Conversation
Qu'est-ce que tu prends pour le petit-déjeuner ?
What are you having for breakfast?
Je prends des tartines et du café.
I am having toast and coffee.
✕Common Mistakes
Je prends le café.
Use the partitive article 'du' instead of the definite article 'le' when referring to an unspecified amount of coffee.
Je mange du café.
While 'mange' means 'eat', 'prendre' is the preferred verb for a meal that includes both food and drink.
↔Alternatives
Je mange du pain grillé.
I am eating toasted bread.
Je bois un café.
I am drinking a coffee.
Cultural Tip
In France, a 'tartine' is usually a slice of baguette spread with butter and jam. Breakfast is traditionally a light, sweet meal, and it is very common to dip your tartine directly into your bowl of coffee.