What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cafeteria
Example
Let's meet in the cafeteria for lunch. [cafeteria: noun]
Example
I grabbed a sandwich from the cafeteria before heading to class. [cafeteria: noun]
canteen
Example
I'll meet you at the canteen after work for a coffee. [canteen: noun]
Example
The soldiers gathered at the canteen for a meal before their mission. [canteen: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Cafeteria is more commonly used than canteen in everyday language, especially in educational and corporate settings. Canteen is less common and often associated with military or smaller workplace environments.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between cafeteria and canteen?
While cafeteria is generally considered more formal, canteen has a more casual and informal connotation. However, both words can be used in various formality levels depending on the context.
