une semaine
In French, "a week" is translated as une semaine.
The phrase refers to a period of seven consecutive days. You may also encounter the idiomatic expression de semaine en semaine, which means "week after week".
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the feminine indefinite article une (a/an) and the noun semaine (week).
How does it change in a sentence?
Because semaine is a feminine noun, you must use the feminine indefinite article une instead of the masculine form un.
Did you know?
- In France, the first day of une semaine is Monday, not Sunday. This means a calendar week typically begins with lundi.
- To describe something as 'weekly', French speakers often switch to the word hebdomadaire, which is derived from Greek rather than Latin.
- The word semaine comes from the Latin word for 'seventh', referring to the seventh day of the series rather than the seven days as a whole.
Examples in context
- Il me faut une semaine.I need a week.This sentence shows how to express a need for une semaine.Tatoeba #7763075 by sacredceltic, translation #2387472 by CK
- La pluie dura une semaine.The rain lasted a week.This sentence is useful for describing the duration of an event using une semaine.Tatoeba #333983 by sysko, translation #26703 by CK
- Ça a été pendant une semaine.It has been fine for a week.This sentence demonstrates how to use une semaine to express how long something has been happening.Tatoeba #1067562 by sacredceltic, translation #60283 by CC
- Je serai en vacances une semaineI will be on vacation for a week
- Le projet sera terminé dans sept joursThe project will be completed in a week
- Nous serons en vacances pour une semaine complèteWe'll be on vacation for a full week
- Une semaine agréableAn enjoyable week
- Une semaine intenseAn intense week
- Je te verrai dans une semaineI will see you in a week's time
- Je terminerai le projet dans une semaine et demieI will finish the project in a week and a half
- Nous sommes restés à Paris pendant deux semainesWe stayed in Paris for two weeks
- 229 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nathan and Emma are discussing a vacation plan.
- NathanOn part pour une semaine ?Are we going for a week?
- EmmaOui, une semaine entière.Yes, a whole week.
- NathanC'est parfait pour moi.That is perfect for me.
- EmmaJe vais réserver l'hôtel.I am going to book the hotel.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries semaine, une, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
