French word

bistro

Pronunciation

IPA/bistʁo/

Meaning

  • masculine nounbistro

Example

On va au bistro ce soir.

We are going to the bistro tonight.

Illustration for bistro (bistro)

More examples

On s'est retrouvés au bistro après le marché.

We met up at the bistro after the market.

Core concept

A small neighborhood room with a few tables, simple plates, and glasses shared in a relaxed setting.

Common phrases

  • se retrouver au bistro

    get together at the bistro

  • boire un café au bistro

    drink coffee at the bistro

  • devant le bistro

    in front of the bistro

Similar words

café: A relaxed spot for coffee, light meals, and comfortable seating.
bar: A place focused mainly on serving alcoholic drinks.
restaurant: A formal dining place offering full meals and table service.
brasserie: A casual place serving beer, other drinks, and everyday meals.

Definition in French

Restaurant petit et informel où l'on trouve des plats simples, des portions raisonnables et une ambiance décontractée.

Word origin

The origin of bistro remains uncertain; the widely cited Russian bystro theory is possible but has never been proved.

Usage tips

  • Bistro is masculine, so au bistro combines à with le rather than using à la.

Opposites

  • restaurant gastronomiquegourmet restaurantnoun

Word lists with this word