French Phrase
Des idées pour un déjeuner rapide ?
Meaning
Literally, “Ideas for a quick lunch?” It’s a polite, informal way to ask someone for suggestions on what to eat when you don’t have much time.
When to use
Use this sentence in casual conversation with friends, coworkers, or family when you need a fast lunch solution. It works well in a kitchen, at the office break‑room, or in a quick‑chat on a messaging app.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Desidéespourundéjeunerrapide?
Des (indefinite article)
‘Des’ is the plural form of the indefinite article ‘un/une’, used before a plural noun.
idées (feminine plural noun)
‘Idée’ is a feminine noun; its plural is ‘idées’, which takes the article ‘des’.
pour (preposition)
‘Pour’ introduces the purpose or goal of something – here, the purpose of the ideas.
un déjeuner (masc. singular)
‘Déjeuner’ is masculine; the singular indefinite article is ‘un’.
rapide (adjective agreement)
The adjective ‘rapide’ agrees with the noun it modifies (déjeuner, masculine singular), so it stays in the singular form.
Question mark
In spoken French the intonation rises at the end; in writing the question mark signals a request for information.
🗨In Conversation
Des idées pour un déjeuner rapide ?
Any ideas for a quick lunch?
Oui, une salade de quinoa avec du poulet grillé, c’est prêt en 10 minutes.
Sure, a quinoa salad with grilled chicken, it’s ready in 10 minutes.
✕Common Mistakes
Des idées pour un déjeuner rapides ?
‘Déjeuner’ is singular, so the adjective must stay singular ‘rapide’. Adding an ‘s’ makes it disagree.
Une idées pour un déjeuner rapide ?
‘Idées’ is plural, so the article must be the plural ‘des’, not the singular ‘une’.
Des idées pour le déjeuner rapide ?
Using ‘le’ makes the phrase sound like you’re talking about a specific, already‑known lunch, not asking for ideas.
↔Alternatives
Quelles sont tes suggestions pour un déjeuner express ?
What are your suggestions for an express lunch?
Tu as une idée de repas rapide pour le midi ?
Do you have a quick meal idea for noon?
Quel plat rapide me conseilles‑tu pour le déjeuner ?
Which quick dish do you recommend for lunch?
Cultural Tip
In France, lunch (le déjeuner) is traditionally a longer, sit‑down meal, especially in smaller towns. In big cities and workplaces, however, a ‘déjeuner rapide’—a sandwich, salad, or a ready‑made bowl—is common. When you ask for quick‑lunch ideas, keep the tone light; French speakers often appreciate a balanced, fresh option rather than fast‑food clichés.