cafétéria

cafeteria, self-service canteen

noun kah-fay-tay-RYAH Rare

Origin: American Spanish cafetería

Usage Note

cafétéria denotes a self-service eating area in a school, hospital, or workplace — distinct from un café (a coffee bar) or une cantine (a school canteen). The word entered French from American Spanish via English in the 20th century. Note the accent: cafétéria retains the written accent on both é's in standard French spelling.

Examples

"On se retrouve à la cafétéria à midi."

Natural Translation

We meet at the cafeteria at noon.

Related Words

Explore French by topic

FrenchNow

French Numbers 1 to 100: Count With Confidence

French numbers 1 to 100 in one complete chart, with pronunciation, the et-un rule, hyphens, and the four-twenties system explained so you can count anywhere.

June 4, 2026 6 min read

FrenchNow

Ordering Food in French: Restaurant Phrases That Work

Order food in French with confidence: greet first, say je voudrais not je veux, ask for a carafe d'eau, answer quelle cuisson, and request the bill yourself.

June 4, 2026 6 min read

FrenchNow

The Bonjour Rule: French Etiquette for Visitors

Always say bonjour before you ask, order, or pay in France — the unspoken rule that opens every door. A respectful visitor's guide to French etiquette.

June 4, 2026 6 min read

FrenchNow

Passé Composé vs Imparfait: When to Use Each

Passé composé tells the story; imparfait paints the scene. Use this 2-second flowchart, trigger words, and paired examples to pick the right French tense.

June 3, 2026 6 min read