Vídeo e texto em inglês sobre o uso da palavra Breakfast

The meaning and origin of the word “breakfast” is puzzling to many learners of the English language especially considering its common pronunciation.

This post will explore the meaning of the word “breakfast” and its origin. It will also provide an example of how it is pronounced in order to eliminate some of the confusion.

The word “breakfast” means “café da manhã.” The word is actually made up of two common English words: “break” and “fast.” The word “break” means “quebrar” while the word “fast,” in this case means “jejum.” Therefore, the word “breakfast” describes the purpose that the meal serves: to break the fast that began after dinner of the previous night.

The one major problem in learning this word and how to use it is its common pronunciation by fluent English speakers. The words “break” and “fast” have slightly different pronunciations when they are separated than when they form the compound word “breakfast.”  The links below will provide examples of how this word is used in writing and how it is pronounced.

The Most Important Meal of the DayBaixar o áudio

Here is an example of how it is used in writing:

http://kidshealth.org/kid/stay_healthy/food/breakfast.html

(see the first sentence of the first paragraph)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dU_B3QNu_Ks

(see 0:03)