Learning French: The origins and meaning of ne pas être dans son assiette

“Tu n'as pas l'air dans ton assiette.”

With the arrival of shorter days and cooler temperatures, there is a chance you might use this phrase with family and friends to show concern for someone who appears unwell, upset or insecure.

We unpick the different meanings and origins of this expression from the 1600s and explain how to use it in everyday French. 

What does ne pas être dans son assiette mean?

It literally translates as: to not be in one’s plate.

While you can say dans son assiette to literally refer to something on someone’s plate, this expression figuratively refers to a person who appears unwell or uncomfortable. In English we would say: to feel under the weather or to not look like yourself. 

Related phrases in French include:

• Ne pas [avoir l’air or être] dans son assiette. - To not seem well / To look blue.

• Ne pas avoir l’air en forme. - To look under the weather.

• Ne pas se sentir bien. - To feel a little out of sorts.

Read also: Exploring 'avoir du bol': unveiling the quirky origins of a popular French expression

What are the origins of ne pas être dans son assiette?

Considering the most popular meaning of assiette today, English speakers might assume the reference to a plate is a metaphor for a lack of appetite - often a side effect of feeling unwell.

However, assiette originally comes from the Latin adsedere, meaning to sit (asseoir). It was also used in reference to a geographical position, although this meaning has disappeared nowadays.

Figuratively, this word alludes to a state of mind or way of being, which was the common use for assiette until the 19th century. This better explains the meaning of today’s expression: to not be in a good way, or to be unwell. 

In the first edition of the French dictionary, published in 1694, the phrase is noted as: il n'a pas l'esprit dans une bonne assiette.

Read also: Mettre les pieds dans le plat: fun French expression no. 5

When do you say ne pas être dans son assiette?

You can use this phrase to indicate that someone feels upset, unwell or insecure: 

• Il n’est pas dans son assiette depuis le repas de midi. - He has not been feeling well since lunch. 

• Je vais rentrer chez moi, je ne suis pas dans mon assiette aujourd’hui. - I’m going home, I don’t feel like myself today. 

It can also be used to check up on someone who appears under the weather:

• Ca va ? Tu n'as pas l'air dans ton assiette. - Are you okay? You seem to be in a bad mood.

It is worth noting that être dans son assiette (without negation) is rarely used and would come out as unconventional or funny. 

Read also: Understanding French health expressions: boost your cultural knowledge 

To whom do you say ne pas être dans son assiette?

It is considered casual French. You should avoid using it in formal situations.

Watch out for two figurative phrases linked to the literal meaning:

• Baisser le nez dans son assiette. – To bend over one’s plate.

• Piquer du nez dans son assiette. – To hang one’s head in shame, to nod off (at the dinner table).