Soupe à l'oignon
Onion soup
Language note: Pronounced 'soup ah l'o-nyon'.
Culture note: Often topped with toasted bread and melted cheese.
Context: During dinner, they decide to make a traditional soup made with caramelized onions.
Word-by-Word Breakdown
Soupe
[soop]
Soup
A liquid dish made by boiling meat, fish, or vegetables etc. in water.
La soupe à l'oignon est une spécialité française.
The onion soup is a French specialty.
à
[ah]
with
Used to indicate the medium or instrument used to perform an action.
Il cuisine la soupe à l'oignon avec soin.
He cooks the onion soup with care.
l'
[l]
the
A contraction for 'the' used before a vowel sound.
La saveur de l'oignon est délicieuse.
The flavor of the onion is delicious.
oignon
[on-yon]
Onion
A bulb vegetable with a strong taste and smell.
L'oignon est l'ingrédient principal.
The onion is the main ingredient.
Phrase Parts
Soupe
Soup
A liquid food made by boiling or simmering meat, fish, or vegetables with various added ingredients.
La soupe est chaude.
The soup is hot.
à
with/in
Often used to indicate the flavor or main ingredient in a dish.
Tarte à la pomme.
Apple tart.
l'oignon
the onion
Refers to the main ingredient, onion, a vegetable commonly used for flavor.
J'ai acheté un oignon.
I bought an onion.
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