French Expression of the Day: Auberge espagnole
This French expression might remind you of a popular film, but its real meaning goes much further back in French history.
Why do I need to know auberge espagnole?
Because you might be confused why political commentators would describe France’s parliament as a Spanish hostel.
What does it mean?
Auberge espagnole– roughly oh-berj eh-spah-knee-ole – translates exactly to ‘Spanish inn’ or 'Spanish hostel' in English, but its true meaning has little to do with hospitality.
The French expression means to interpret or view something according to your own point of view. Oftentimes, it is used to describe a situation where everyone comes from a different perspective and chooses to continue seeing things their own way. You might say ‘everyone for themselves’ in English.
You might recognise the phrase as the title of the popular 2002 French film L’Auberge Espagnole (the title was translated to ‘Pot Luck’ in English) which tells the story of several people from different countries all staying in the same youth hostel together - where they navigate personal and cultural differences.
In reality, the phrase auberge espagnole dates all the way back to the 18th century, when at the time it was used to describe lacklustre service offered in Spanish inns. People had to bring their own food, either because the cooking was low-quality or because food was not offered. Many of these inns were located along the famous Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route.
Over time, the idea of having to bring one’s own food went on to take on a more figurative meaning - that everyone sees and interprets things according to their own experiences and perspectives.
An alternative usage of the expression is to describe the idea of ‘getting out what you put in’ to something.
Generally, you might hear French politicians or commentators use auberge espagnole when talking about a situation in parliament when several groups only focus on and put forward their own interests.
Use it like this
Les députés espèrent que la motion de censure ne ressemblera pas à une auberge espagnole. Les gens doivent considérer les intérêts du groupe avant ceux de leur propre parti. – The representatives hope that the no-confidence vote will not be like a Spanish inn. People must think of the interests of the group above their own party.
La réunion c’était une auberge espagnole…chacun est venu avec ses propres idées. – The meeting was everyone for themselves…each person came with their own ideas.
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Why do I need to know auberge espagnole?
Because you might be confused why political commentators would describe France’s parliament as a Spanish hostel.
What does it mean?
Auberge espagnole– roughly oh-berj eh-spah-knee-ole – translates exactly to ‘Spanish inn’ or 'Spanish hostel' in English, but its true meaning has little to do with hospitality.
The French expression means to interpret or view something according to your own point of view. Oftentimes, it is used to describe a situation where everyone comes from a different perspective and chooses to continue seeing things their own way. You might say ‘everyone for themselves’ in English.
You might recognise the phrase as the title of the popular 2002 French film L’Auberge Espagnole (the title was translated to ‘Pot Luck’ in English) which tells the story of several people from different countries all staying in the same youth hostel together - where they navigate personal and cultural differences.
In reality, the phrase auberge espagnole dates all the way back to the 18th century, when at the time it was used to describe lacklustre service offered in Spanish inns. People had to bring their own food, either because the cooking was low-quality or because food was not offered. Many of these inns were located along the famous Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route.
Over time, the idea of having to bring one’s own food went on to take on a more figurative meaning - that everyone sees and interprets things according to their own experiences and perspectives.
An alternative usage of the expression is to describe the idea of ‘getting out what you put in’ to something.
Generally, you might hear French politicians or commentators use auberge espagnole when talking about a situation in parliament when several groups only focus on and put forward their own interests.
Use it like this
Les députés espèrent que la motion de censure ne ressemblera pas à une auberge espagnole. Les gens doivent considérer les intérêts du groupe avant ceux de leur propre parti. – The representatives hope that the no-confidence vote will not be like a Spanish inn. People must think of the interests of the group above their own party.
La réunion c’était une auberge espagnole…chacun est venu avec ses propres idées. – The meeting was everyone for themselves…each person came with their own ideas.
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