half board
/hɑːf bɔːd/
Meaning
A hotel rate that includes the room, breakfast, and one other main meal, which is usually dinner. This option is popular at resorts and holiday destinations where guests plan to go sightseeing during the day but want to eat at the hotel in the evening.
Examples
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We booked a half board package so we wouldn't have to worry about finding a dinner spot every night.
We booked a half board package so we wouldn't have to worry about finding a dinner spot every night.
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Does the half board option include drinks with dinner, or do we pay extra for those?
Does the half board option include drinks with dinner, or do we pay extra for those?
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Since we plan to go on day trips, half board is much better for us than full board.
Since we plan to go on day trips, half board is much better for us than full board.
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The hotel's half board deal actually saved us a lot of money on our family vacation.
The hotel's half board deal actually saved us a lot of money on our family vacation.
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I usually prefer half board because I like trying local restaurants for lunch while exploring.
I usually prefer half board because I like trying local restaurants for lunch while exploring.
Common Mistakes
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✗ We booked a half pension at the resort.
✓ We booked half board at the resort.
While 'half pension' is a direct translation from languages like French, Spanish, or German, native English speakers almost exclusively use 'half board' in hotel contexts.
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✗ We stayed in half board.
✓ We stayed on a half board basis.
'Half board' is a rate package, not a physical location. You stay 'on a half board basis' or 'book a half board room'.
Related Expressions
Practice
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If you choose ___, breakfast and dinner are included, but you will have to buy your own lunch.
💡 This meal plan covers two meals a day, typically morning and evening.
Show answer
half board
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We decided to book ___ because we wanted to explore local cafes during the afternoon.
💡 Think of the option that leaves your lunchtime free.
Show answer
half board