"Menu" and how the French use it

Mary Anne B.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

"Menu" and how the French use it

My understanding is that in French "menu" is the word for the chalkboard list of daily specials.  And "carte" is the paper list of all the items that the restaurant can serve.  I used "à la carte" in this exercise.  I guess Kwiziq is not making that distinction in A1.  Or, I am under a false impression.

Asked 4 years ago
CécileNative French expert teacher in KwiziqCorrect answer

Hi Mary Anne,

Menu and carte are very similar, 'le menu',  being the list of what you can have, and 'la carte' the piece of paper or cardboard it is written on.

However, 'à la carte' is wrong as it is means a dish you pick from a different carte from the set menu and where items are priced individually.

Hope this helps!

Aki N.C1Kwiziq community member

Would it be then also correct to say "sur votre carte"? 

"Menu" and how the French use it

My understanding is that in French "menu" is the word for the chalkboard list of daily specials.  And "carte" is the paper list of all the items that the restaurant can serve.  I used "à la carte" in this exercise.  I guess Kwiziq is not making that distinction in A1.  Or, I am under a false impression.

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