brasserie: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal to neutral, with a strong cultural association.
Quick answer
What does “brasserie” mean?
An informal French-style restaurant or bar, typically serving beer and simple, hearty meals in a lively atmosphere.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An informal French-style restaurant or bar, typically serving beer and simple, hearty meals in a lively atmosphere.
A type of restaurant concept, often stylish or upscale, evoking a Parisian café atmosphere with an all-day menu. The term can also be used metaphorically to describe a place with a similarly vibrant, social energy.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major difference in definition. The word is used in both varieties to denote a specific, French-themed style of dining establishment.
Connotations
In both, it often connotes a certain urban sophistication and authenticity. It may carry a slightly more 'exclusive' or 'trendy' connotation in some US contexts where French culture is viewed as upscale.
Frequency
Slightly more common in UK English due to geographic and cultural proximity to France. In the US, it is a well-understood culinary term, used primarily in metropolitan areas.
Grammar
How to Use “brasserie” in a Sentence
[Adj] brasserie in [location]We dined at/ate at/went to a brasserie.The brasserie serves [type of food/drink].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “brasserie” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (not applicable as a verb)
American English
- (not applicable as a verb)
adverb
British English
- (not applicable as an adverb)
American English
- (not applicable as an adverb)
adjective
British English
- The brasserie menu was extensive.
- They aimed for a brasserie feel in the décor.
American English
- It was a very brasserie-like atmosphere.
- The hotel's brasserie restaurant was a hit.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in hospitality, tourism, and culinary industry contexts (e.g., 'investing in a new brasserie concept', 'brasserie-style branding').
Academic
Rare, except in cultural studies, gastronomy, or historical contexts discussing French culture or restaurant evolution.
Everyday
Used when describing dining plans, restaurant recommendations, or travel experiences (e.g., 'Let's meet at that new brasserie on the high street').
Technical
Not a technical term.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “brasserie”
- Mispronouncing it as /breɪˈsɛri/ or /ˈbræs.ri/
- Using it to refer to any cheap café.
- Spelling it as 'brassiere' (which is a piece of lingerie).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Traditionally, a brasserie is larger, noisier, and offers an all-day menu with a focus on beer and Alsatian specialities. A bistro is smaller, more intimate, and often has a simpler, home-style menu. In modern usage, the distinction is often blurred.
It is best used for restaurants that consciously adopt a French style in décor, menu, and atmosphere. Using it for a generic café or diner would be incorrect and might sound pretentious.
In English, borrowed nouns are typically neutral (neither masculine nor feminine). We use 'it' or 'the brasserie'. In its original French, 'brasserie' is a feminine noun (la brasserie).
The standard British pronunciation is /ˈbræs.ər.i/ (BRASS-uh-ree). The standard American pronunciation is /ˌbræs.əˈriː/ (brass-uh-REE), with the primary stress on the last syllable.
An informal French-style restaurant or bar, typically serving beer and simple, hearty meals in a lively atmosphere.
Brasserie is usually formal to neutral, with a strong cultural association. in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No common idioms feature 'brasserie' specifically.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the word 'BRASS' in 'brasserie'. Brass fixtures and a lively, metallic buzz of conversation are common in a classic brasserie.
Conceptual Metaphor
A BRASSERIE IS A SOCIAL HUB (where food and drink are the facilitators of interaction).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the most accurate description of a 'brasserie'?