French Phrase
Ma pause déjeuner, c'est à 12h30.
Meaning
The sentence tells the listener when the speaker’s lunch break takes place. It is a straightforward way to share a daily schedule.
When to use
Use this phrase when you need to inform a colleague, a friend, or a client about the exact time of your lunch break, especially in a professional or casual conversation about daily routines.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Mapausedéjeuner,c'està12h30.
Possessive adjective (Ma)
Use 'ma' for feminine singular nouns (pause) to indicate ownership.
Noun phrase (pause déjeuner)
Literally 'lunch break'; 'pause' is feminine, 'déjeuner' acts as a complement.
c'est = ce + est
The neutral pronoun 'ce' + verb 'être' contracts to 'c’est' meaning 'it is'.
Preposition for time (à)
Use 'à' to specify a point in time (at 12:30).
Time format (12h30)
In French, the 24‑hour clock is common; '12h30' reads 'douze heures trente'.
🗨In Conversation
À quelle heure est ta pause déjeuner ?
What time is your lunch break?
Ma pause déjeuner, c'est à 12h30.
My lunch break is at 12:30.
✕Common Mistakes
Mon pause déjeuner, c'est à 12h30.
‘Pause’ is feminine, so the correct possessive is ‘ma’.
Ma pause déjeuner, c'est à 12h30h.
Do not add an extra ‘h’ after the minutes; the correct format is ‘12h30’.
Ma pause déjeuner c’est à 12h30.
A comma after ‘déjeuner’ improves clarity, separating the noun phrase from the clause.
↔Alternatives
Je déjeune à 12h30.
I have lunch at 12:30.
Ma pause déjeuner commence à 12h30.
My lunch break starts at 12:30.
Je fais ma pause déjeuner à 12h30.
I take my lunch break at 12:30.
Cultural Tip
In France, many businesses close for a lunch break (la pause déjeuner) between 12 h and 14 h, especially in smaller towns. Saying the exact time helps colleagues coordinate meetings, as it’s common to schedule calls after the break. The 24‑hour clock is preferred in written schedules, while spoken French often uses 'midi' for 12 h and 'une heure' for 1 h.