French Phrase
Un dîner complet à table.
Meaning
Literally, 'A full dinner at the table.' It conveys that the evening meal is complete—usually several courses—and is being served or eaten while everyone is seated at the table.
When to use
Use this phrase when you want to describe a well‑planned, multi‑course dinner that is served in the traditional seated setting, especially when emphasizing the completeness of the meal rather than a quick snack.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Undînercompletàtable
Un (indefinite article)
Masculine singular indefinite article used before a noun that begins with a consonant sound.
dîner (noun)
Masculine noun meaning 'dinner' or the main evening meal.
complet (adjective)
Adjective meaning 'complete' or 'full', agrees in gender and number with the noun it modifies (masc. sing.).
à (preposition)
Preposition indicating location or manner; in the fixed expression 'à table' it means 'at the table' (i.e., seated for a meal).
table (noun, idiomatic)
Feminine noun meaning 'table'. In the phrase 'à table' the article is omitted because the expression is idiomatic.
🗨In Conversation
Qu'est‑ce qu'on mange ce soir ?
What are we eating tonight?
Un dîner complet à table.
A full dinner at the table.
✕Common Mistakes
Un dîner complet sur table.
The preposition 'sur' means 'on' and is not used in the idiomatic expression.
Un dîner complet à la table.
The article is omitted in the fixed phrase 'à table'.
Un dîner completé à table.
Use the adjective 'complet', not the past participle 'completé'.
↔Alternatives
Un repas complet à table.
A complete meal at the table.
Un dîner complet servi à table.
A full dinner served at the table.
Un dîner complet, assis à table.
A full dinner, seated at the table.
Cultural Tip
In France, dinner is often a social event that can last an hour or more, especially on weekends or holidays. The expression 'à table' signals that everyone should be seated before the meal begins, reflecting the French etiquette of waiting for all guests to be present before starting to eat. A 'dîner complet' typically includes several courses—entrée, plat principal, fromage, and dessert—so using this phrase hints at a more formal, leisurely dining experience.