Snacks are small, tasty foods that people enjoy between meals. They come in many shapes and sizes, like chips, fruit, or cookies. If you ever visit a French-speaking country or talk to someone who speaks French, it’s useful to know how to say “snack” in French. This way, you can easily ask for a snack or understand what someone is offering.
In French, the word for snack can change based on where you are or what you’re referring to. Understanding these different ways to say “snack” will help you sound more like a native speaker. Let’s explore how to say “snack” in French and other fun ways to use the word in different situations.
Ways to Say “Snack” in French
There are several ways to say “snack” in French depending on the situation and where you are. Some words are more casual, while others are used in more formal settings. Here are some common ways to say “snack” in French:
1. Snack
Pronunciation: /snack/
Meaning: This is the same as the English word and is often used in informal settings. It’s especially popular in casual conversations or when referring to a light snack between meals.
In a Sentence:
- “J’ai envie d’un snack.” (I feel like having a snack.)
- “Tu veux un snack?” (Do you want a snack?)
2. Goûter
Pronunciation: /goo-tey/
Meaning: This is the French word most commonly used for an afternoon snack, especially for children. It can also mean the act of tasting something.
In a Sentence:
- “Je vais prendre un goûter.” (I’m going to have a snack.)
- “Le goûter est à quatre heures.” (The snack is at four o’clock.)
3. Casse-croûte
Pronunciation: /kas-kroot/
Meaning: This is a more traditional term for a snack, often used in a casual or rural setting. It refers to something light to eat, usually when you’re hungry between meals.
In a Sentence:
- “J’ai un petit casse-croûte dans mon sac.” (I have a little snack in my bag.)
- “On se fait un casse-croûte?” (Shall we have a snack?)
4. En-cas
Pronunciation: /on-ka/
Meaning: This term is used for any light snack or food eaten between main meals. It’s commonly used in both casual and formal settings.
In a Sentence:
- “Tu as un en-cas?” (Do you have a snack?)
- “Un en-cas léger serait parfait.” (A light snack would be perfect.)
5. Apéro
Pronunciation: /ah-peh-roh/
Meaning: Short for “apéritif,” this refers to a small snack or appetizer usually served before a meal, often accompanied by drinks.
In a Sentence:
- “On se retrouve pour un apéro ce soir?” (Shall we meet for a drink and snack tonight?)
- “J’adore les petits apéros.” (I love little appetizers.)
6. Pique-nique
Pronunciation: /peek-neek/
Meaning: This refers to a picnic, which can be a casual outdoor meal that includes snacks. Though it’s more about the experience, the snacks you bring are often called “pique-nique.”
In a Sentence:
- “On va faire un pique-nique ce weekend.” (We’re going to have a picnic this weekend.)
- “Je vais apporter des snacks pour le pique-nique.” (I’ll bring snacks for the picnic.)
7. Mise en bouche
Pronunciation: /meez ahn boosh/
Meaning: This is a more formal term often used in gourmet settings to describe small appetizers or bites before the main meal. It’s not typically used for everyday snacks.
In a Sentence:
- “Le chef a préparé une mise en bouche délicieuse.” (The chef prepared a delicious appetizer.)
- “Nous avons mangé une mise en bouche avant le dîner.” (We had an appetizer before dinner.)
8. Bouchée
Pronunciation: /boo-shay/
Meaning: While it translates directly to “mouthful,” it’s used in some contexts to refer to small snack-sized bites, often at parties or gatherings.
In a Sentence:
- “Elle a mangé une bouchée de fromage.” (She had a bite of cheese.)
- “Les bouchées étaient délicieuses.” (The snacks were delicious.)
9. Friandise
Pronunciation: /free-an-deez/
Meaning: This word refers to a sweet treat or confection, often a candy or dessert-like snack.
In a Sentence:
- “Elle a mangé une friandise après le déjeuner.” (She ate a sweet treat after lunch.)
- “Je voudrais une friandise pour le goûter.” (I’d like a candy for the snack.)
10. Biscuit
Pronunciation: /bees-kwee/
Meaning: This refers to a cookie or a biscuit, often eaten as a snack. It’s used for a sweet snack in many French-speaking regions.
In a Sentence:
- “Je prends un biscuit avec mon café.” (I’m having a cookie with my coffee.)
- “Tu veux un biscuit?” (Do you want a cookie?)
11. Tartine
Pronunciation: /tar-teen/
Meaning: A slice of bread, often with butter, jam, or another spread. It’s a simple and popular snack, especially for breakfast or tea time.
In a Sentence:
- “Je vais manger une tartine au beurre.” (I’m going to have a slice of bread with butter.)
- “Elle a préparé une tartine de confiture.” (She made a jam sandwich.)
12. Chocolat
Pronunciation: /sho-ko-lah/
Meaning: The word for “chocolate,” often used to describe a sweet snack, such as chocolate bars or chocolate-based treats.
In a Sentence:
- “Je veux un carré de chocolat.” (I want a piece of chocolate.)
- “Les enfants aiment le chocolat.” (The kids love chocolate.)
13. Fruits secs
Pronunciation: /froo sehks/
Meaning: Dried fruits, such as raisins, apricots, or figs. These are often eaten as a healthy snack.
In a Sentence:
- “Les fruits secs sont parfaits pour un snack.” (Dried fruits are perfect for a snack.)
- “J’ai pris des fruits secs pour mon goûter.” (I took dried fruits for my snack.)
14. Petite collation
Pronunciation: /puh-teet koh-lah-syon/
Meaning: This is a small snack, similar to “en-cas,” used in more formal or polite conversations.
In a Sentence:
- “Nous avons une petite collation à quatre heures.” (We have a small snack at four o’clock.)
- “Elle a préparé une petite collation pour nous.” (She prepared a small snack for us.)
15. Pain de mie
Pronunciation: /pan duh mee/
Meaning: A soft, square-shaped bread, often eaten with butter or jam as a light snack.
In a Sentence:
- “Il mange du pain de mie avec du beurre.” (He eats soft bread with butter.)
- “Elle a pris du pain de mie pour le goûter.” (She took soft bread for her snack.)
16. Crêpe
Pronunciation: /krep/
Meaning: A thin pancake that can be sweet or savory, often enjoyed as a snack or light meal.
In a Sentence:
- “J’adore les crêpes au chocolat.” (I love chocolate crepes.)
- “Nous avons mangé des crêpes pour le goûter.” (We ate crepes for the snack.)
17. Yaourt
Pronunciation: /yah-oor/
Meaning: Yogurt, often eaten as a healthy snack, sometimes with fruit or honey.
In a Sentence:
- “Je mange un yaourt pour le goûter.” (I’m eating yogurt for my snack.)
- “Elle aime le yaourt nature.” (She likes plain yogurt.)
18. Soupe
Pronunciation: /soop/
Meaning: Although it usually refers to a soup, it can be considered a snack in some cases, especially if it’s a small portion or served as a light meal.
In a Sentence:
- “Je vais manger une petite soupe.” (I’m going to have a small soup.)
- “Une soupe chaude est un bon snack en hiver.” (Hot soup is a good snack in the winter.)
19. Fromage
Pronunciation: /fro-mahzh/
Meaning: Cheese, often served as a snack with crackers or bread.
In a Sentence:
- “Je veux du fromage avec des crackers.” (I want some cheese with crackers.)
- “Le fromage est mon snack préféré.” (Cheese is my favorite snack.)
20. Pop-corn
Pronunciation: /pop-korn/
Meaning: This is the same as the English word “popcorn,” used for a light, crunchy snack.
In a Sentence:
- “J’ai acheté du pop-corn pour le film.” (I bought popcorn for the movie.)
- “Les enfants mangent toujours du pop-corn au cinéma.” (The kids always eat popcorn at the cinema.)
21. Barre granola
Pronunciation: /bar grah-noh-lah/
Meaning: A granola bar, which is a common snack, especially for people on the go.
In a Sentence:
- “Je prends une barre granola pour mon goûter.” (I’m having a granola bar for my snack.)
- “Les barres granola sont bonnes pour un en-cas rapide.” (Granola bars are good for a quick snack.)
22. Gâteau
Pronunciation: /gah-toh/
Meaning: Cake, which can be a sweet snack, often enjoyed during celebrations or tea time.
In a Sentence:
- “Le gâteau au chocolat est délicieux.” (The chocolate cake is delicious.)
- “Je vais prendre un morceau de gâteau.” (I’m going to have a piece of cake.)
23. Bouchon
Pronunciation: /boo-shon/
Meaning: While it translates to “cork,” in some regions, “bouchon” can also refer to small, savory snacks or appetizers served before a meal.
In a Sentence:
- “J’ai mangé des bouchons avant le dîner.” (I ate appetizers before dinner.)
- “Les bouchons étaient très bons.” (The snacks were very good.)
24. Bretzel
Pronunciation: /bret-zel/
Meaning: A type of salted snack, often served at parties or as a quick snack on the go.
In a Sentence:
- “Je veux un bretzel salé.” (I want a salted pretzel.)
- “Les bretzels sont parfaits pour une collation.” (Pretzels are perfect for a snack.)
25. Pommes de terre chips
Pronunciation: /pohm duh ter sheeps/
Meaning: Potato chips, commonly eaten as a crunchy snack.
In a Sentence:
- “J’ai mangé des pommes de terre chips en regardant la télé.” (I ate potato chips while watching TV.)
- “Les pommes de terre chips sont mes snacks préférés.” (Potato chips are my favorite snacks.)
26. Muesli
Pronunciation: /myoo-ess-lee/
Meaning: A mix of oats, dried fruits, and nuts, commonly eaten as a snack or breakfast.
In a Sentence:
- “J’ai mangé du muesli avec du lait.” (I ate muesli with milk.)
- “Le muesli est un excellent snack santé.” (Muesli is a great healthy snack.)
27. Sablé
Pronunciation: /sah-bley/
Meaning: A buttery, crumbly cookie often eaten as a sweet snack.
In a Sentence:
- “J’ai pris un sablé avec mon thé.” (I had a shortbread cookie with my tea.)
- “Les sablés sont délicieux avec du chocolat.” (Shortbread cookies are delicious with chocolate.)
28. Gaufre
Pronunciation: /gof-ruh/
Meaning: A waffle, which is a sweet snack, especially when topped with syrup, whipped cream, or fruit.
In a Sentence:
- “Nous avons mangé des gaufres pour le goûter.” (We had waffles for the snack.)
- “Les gaufres sont délicieuses avec du chocolat.” (Waffles are delicious with chocolate.)
Other Ways to Say “Snack” in French
Here’s a table that shows even more ways to say “snack” in French. Each one has a slightly different meaning and use depending on the context.
| Other Ways to Say | Pronunciation | Meaning | Example Sentences |
| Goûter | /goo-tey/ | Afternoon snack, often for children | “Je vais faire un goûter après l’école.” (I’m going to have a snack after school.) |
| Casse-croûte | /kas-kroot/ | Light meal or snack, often outdoors | “On a pris un casse-croûte en marchant.” (We had a snack while walking.) |
| En-cas | /on-ka/ | A light snack between meals | “Je veux un en-cas avant le dîner.” (I want a snack before dinner.) |
| Apéro | /ah-peh-roh/ | Small appetizer before a meal, often with drinks | “On se retrouve pour un apéro ce soir?” (Shall we meet for a drink and snack tonight?) |
| Biscuit | /bees-kwee/ | A cookie or biscuit | “Tu veux un biscuit avec ton café?” (Do you want a cookie with your coffee?) |
| Friandise | /free-an-deez/ | A sweet treat, often candy | “Elle a mangé une friandise après le déjeuner.” (She ate a sweet treat after lunch.) |
| Tartine | /tar-teen/ | A slice of bread with spread | “Je vais manger une tartine de confiture.” (I’m going to have a jam sandwich.) |
| Pop-corn | /pop-korn/ | Popcorn, a crunchy snack | “Je vais manger du pop-corn pendant le film.” (I’m going to eat popcorn during the movie.) |
| Fromage | /fro-mahzh/ | Cheese, often eaten as a snack with crackers | “Je vais manger un morceau de fromage.” (I’m going to eat a piece of cheese.) |
| Gâteau | /gah-toh/ | Cake, often a sweet snack | “J’ai mangé un gâteau au chocolat.” (I ate chocolate cake.) |
| Bouchée | /boo-shay/ | A small bite-sized snack | “Les bouchées étaient délicieuses.” (The snacks were delicious.) |
| Barre granola | /bar grah-noh-lah/ | Granola bar, a quick snack | “Elle a pris une barre granola pour le goûter.” (She took a granola bar for her snack.) |
| Sablé | /sah-bley/ | A buttery, crumbly cookie | “J’ai mangé un sablé avec mon thé.” (I ate a shortbread cookie with my tea.) |
| Pommes de terre chips | /pohm duh ter sheeps/ | Potato chips, a crunchy snack | “Les pommes de terre chips sont mon snack préféré.” (Potato chips are my favorite snack.) |
| Muesli | /myoo-ess-lee/ | A mixture of oats, dried fruits, and nuts | “Le muesli est parfait pour le goûter.” (Muesli is perfect for a snack.) |
| Crêpe | /krep/ | A thin pancake, can be a sweet or savory snack | “Je vais manger une crêpe avec du sucre.” (I’m going to eat a crepe with sugar.) |
| Fruits secs | /froo sehks/ | Dried fruits, like raisins or apricots | “Les fruits secs sont un bon en-cas.” (Dried fruits are a good snack.) |
| Pique-nique | /peek-neek/ | Picnic, can include snacks | “On a apporté des snacks pour le pique-nique.” (We brought snacks for the picnic.) |
| Mise en bouche | /meez ahn boosh/ | Small appetizer, usually in formal settings | “La mise en bouche était excellente.” (The appetizer was excellent.) |
| Gaufre | /gof-ruh/ | Waffle, a sweet snack often with toppings | “Je vais manger une gaufre avec du chocolat.” (I’m going to eat a waffle with chocolate.) |
| Bretzel | /bret-zel/ | Pretzel, a salty snack | “Les bretzels sont parfaits pour l’apéro.” (Pretzels are perfect for an appetizer.) |
Response to “Snack” in French
When someone offers or talks about a snack in French, it’s helpful to know how to respond. Here are some common responses you can use when someone offers you a snack or mentions having a snack. These responses will help you sound natural in a French conversation.
1. Oui, merci !
Pronunciation: /wee, mehr-see/
Meaning: Yes, thank you!
In a Sentence:
- “Tu veux un goûter?” (Do you want a snack?)
- “Oui, merci ! Ça a l’air délicieux.” (Yes, thank you! It looks delicious.)
2. Non, merci.
Pronunciation: /noh, mehr-see/
Meaning: No, thank you.
In a Sentence:
- “Tu veux un casse-croûte?” (Do you want a snack?)
- “Non, merci. Je n’ai pas faim.” (No, thank you. I’m not hungry.)
3. Je veux bien.
Pronunciation: /zhuh vuh byan/
Meaning: I’d love to.
In a Sentence:
- “Tu veux un snack?” (Do you want a snack?)
- “Je veux bien. Merci !” (I’d love to. Thank you!)
4. J’ai déjà mangé.
Pronunciation: /zhay day-zhah mahn-jay/
Meaning: I’ve already eaten.
In a Sentence:
- “Tu veux un goûter?” (Do you want a snack?)
- “J’ai déjà mangé, mais merci !” (I’ve already eaten, but thank you!)
5. C’est gentil, mais je n’ai pas faim.
Pronunciation: /say zhahn-tee, meh zhuh nay pah fam/
Meaning: That’s kind, but I’m not hungry.
In a Sentence:
- “Tu veux une barre granola?” (Do you want a granola bar?)
- “C’est gentil, mais je n’ai pas faim.” (That’s kind, but I’m not hungry.)
6. Oui, un petit en-cas serait parfait.
Pronunciation: /wee, uhn puh-tee on-kah ser-eh par-fay/
Meaning: Yes, a small snack would be perfect.
In a Sentence:
- “Tu veux un snack?” (Do you want a snack?)
- “Oui, un petit en-cas serait parfait.” (Yes, a small snack would be perfect.)
7. J’ai besoin d’un snack.
Pronunciation: /zhay buh-zwan dun snack/
Meaning: I need a snack.
In a Sentence:
- “Tu veux un en-cas?” (Do you want a snack?)
- “J’ai besoin d’un snack après le travail.” (I need a snack after work.)
8. Ça me tente.
Pronunciation: /sah muh tahnt/
Meaning: That sounds good.
In a Sentence:
- “Tu veux une friandise?” (Do you want a sweet treat?)
- “Ça me tente, merci !” (That sounds good, thank you!)
9. Non, je vais attendre un peu.
Pronunciation: /noh, zhuh veh ah-tahndr uh puh/
Meaning: No, I’ll wait a bit.
In a Sentence:
- “Tu veux un biscuit?” (Do you want a cookie?)
- “Non, je vais attendre un peu.” (No, I’ll wait a bit.)
10. Est-ce que je peux en avoir un aussi ?
Pronunciation: /es kuh zhuh puh ahn ah-vwar uh oh-see/
Meaning: Can I have one too?
In a Sentence:
- “Tu veux un gâteau?” (Do you want a cake?)
- “Est-ce que je peux en avoir un aussi ?” (Can I have one too?)
11. Ça a l’air délicieux !
Pronunciation: /sah ah lehr day-lee-uh-syu/
Meaning: That looks delicious!
In a Sentence:
- “Tu veux un casse-croûte?” (Do you want a snack?)
- “Ça a l’air délicieux ! Je vais essayer.” (That looks delicious! I’ll try it.)
12. Je suis plein(e), merci.
Pronunciation: /zhuh swee plehn, mehr-see/
Meaning: I’m full, thank you.
In a Sentence:
- “Tu veux un en-cas?” (Do you want a snack?)
- “Je suis plein(e), merci.” (I’m full, thank you.)
13. Un petit goûter serait parfait.
Pronunciation: /uhn puh-tee goo-tey ser-eh par-fay/
Meaning: A little snack would be perfect.
In a Sentence:
- “Tu veux un goûter?” (Do you want a snack?)
- “Un petit goûter serait parfait, merci !” (A little snack would be perfect, thank you!)
14. Je vais grignoter un peu.
Pronunciation: /zhuh veh gree-nyoh-tay uh puh/
Meaning: I’m going to nibble a bit.
In a Sentence:
- “Tu veux une barre granola?” (Do you want a granola bar?)
- “Je vais grignoter un peu pendant la pause.” (I’m going to nibble a bit during the break.)
15. Pourquoi pas !
Pronunciation: /poor-kwa pah/
Meaning: Why not!
In a Sentence:
- “Tu veux des biscuits?” (Do you want some cookies?)
- “Pourquoi pas ! Je les adore.” (Why not! I love them.)
Exercise to Practice Success with “Snack” in French
Below are 12 fill-in-the-blank sentences in French that will help you practice the different ways to say “snack” and use them in real-life situations. After each sentence, you’ll find the answers as well as the meaning of each sentence to help you understand the context.
Fill-in-the-Blanks
- J’ai envie de manger un ________ après l’école.
(I feel like having a ________ after school.) - Tu veux un ________ pour le goûter?
(Do you want a ________ for snack time?) - Je vais prendre un ________ en attendant mon dîner.
(I’ll have a ________ while waiting for my dinner.) - Elle a mangé une ________ avant de partir au travail.
(She ate a ________ before leaving for work.) - Est-ce que tu veux un ________ avec ton café?
(Do you want a ________ with your coffee?) - Nous avons préparé un ________ pour le voyage.
(We prepared a ________ for the trip.) - Les enfants aiment manger des ________ pendant les films.
(The kids like to eat ________ during movies.) - J’ai pris un ________ léger avant de sortir.
(I had a light ________ before going out.) - On va acheter des ________ pour le pique-nique.
(We’re going to buy ________ for the picnic.) - Je vais grignoter un ________ pendant ma pause.
(I’m going to nibble on a ________ during my break.) - Ils ont offert des ________ à la fête d’anniversaire.
(They offered ________ at the birthday party.) - Tu veux un ________ ou une tartine pour le petit déjeuner?
(Do you want a ________ or a slice of bread for breakfast?)
Answers and Translations
- Goûter
(I feel like having a snack after school.) - Casse-croûte
(Do you want a snack for snack time?) - En-cas
(I’ll have a snack while waiting for my dinner.) - Biscuit
(She ate a cookie before leaving for work.) - Biscuit
(Do you want a cookie with your coffee?) - Pique-nique
(We prepared a snack for the trip.) - Pop-corn
(The kids like to eat popcorn during movies.) - Tartine
(I had a light snack before going out.) - Bouchée
(We’re going to buy appetizers for the picnic.) - Barre granola
(I’m going to nibble on a granola bar during my break.) - Friandises
(They offered treats at the birthday party.) - Goûter
(Do you want a snack or a slice of bread for breakfast?)
Conclusion
In this article, we’ve explored various ways to say “snack” in French. Whether you’re enjoying a casual treat like “un goûter” in the afternoon, sharing “des fruits secs” during a break, or savoring a sweet “friandise,” knowing these terms will help you sound more like a native speaker. We also looked at different responses you can use when someone offers you a snack, as well as useful exercises to practice these words in real-life situations.
By learning these different words and how to respond, you’re better prepared for conversations in French. Remember that French snacks can range from simple treats to elaborate appetizers, so understanding the right term for the situation is key. Keep practicing, and soon talking about snacks in French will become second nature!