French Phrase
Tu aimes prendre un gros petit‑déj' ?
Meaning
Literally: ‘Do you like to have a big breakfast?’ In everyday French the phrase is informal and playful, using the slang ‘petit‑déj'’ for ‘petit déjeuner’. The adjective ‘gros’ adds the idea of a hearty, larger‑than‑usual morning meal.
When to use
Use this sentence in casual conversation with friends, family, or classmates when you’re talking about morning habits, weekend brunch plans, or when you’re teasing someone about their appetite.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Tuaimesprendreungrospetit-déj'
Subject pronoun (Tu)
‘Tu’ is the informal singular ‘you’. It triggers the -s ending on most present‑tense verbs.
Present tense of aimer
‘aimes’ is the 2nd‑person singular present of ‘aimer’. Remember the –s after ‘tu’.
Verb + infinitive construction
After ‘aimer’, the second verb stays in the infinitive: ‘aimes prendre’ = ‘like to take’.
Indefinite article (un)
‘un’ introduces a masculine singular noun. It agrees with ‘gros petit‑déj'’.
Adjective placement
Most adjectives, including ‘gros’, go before the noun in French.
Abbreviation ‘petit‑déj'’
‘petit‑déj'’ is a colloquial short form of ‘petit déjeuner’. The apostrophe replaces the omitted ‘jeuner’.
🗨In Conversation
Tu aimes prendre un gros petit‑déj' ?
Do you like having a big breakfast?
Oui, surtout le week‑end ! J’adore les croissants et les œufs brouillés.
Yes, especially on weekends! I love croissants and scrambled eggs.
✕Common Mistakes
Tu aime prendre un gros petit‑déj' ?
With ‘tu’, the verb must keep the –s ending: ‘aimes’. Using ‘aime’ is the 3rd‑person singular form.
Tu aimes prends un gros petit‑déj' ?
After ‘aimer’, the second verb stays in the infinitive. ‘Prends’ is a conjugated form and is incorrect here.
Tu aimes prendre gros petit‑déj' ?
If you keep the full word ‘petit déjeuner’, the adjective should still precede it: ‘un gros petit déjeuner’. Dropping the apostrophe is fine, but don’t write ‘gros petit‑déj'’ without the article.
↔Alternatives
Tu aimes prendre un gros petit déjeuner ?
Do you like having a big breakfast?
Tu préfères un grand petit‑déj' ?
Do you prefer a large breakfast?
Tu apprécies un petit‑déj' copieux ?
Do you enjoy a hearty breakfast?
Cultural Tip
In France, a typical ‘petit déjeuner’ is light—usually just a coffee and a croissant or tartine. Saying ‘gros petit‑déj'’ signals a more indulgent meal, often reserved for weekends, holidays, or brunches. The slang ‘petit‑déj'’ is common among younger speakers and in informal settings; avoid it in formal or business contexts.