What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "you are spending good holidays ?" because the French verb passer (to pass/spend) is used to describe experiencing a period of time.
Which one should you use?
You can ask the question using different structures. The form Passez-vous de bonnes vacances ? uses inversion of the subject and verb, which is a more formal way to ask the question compared to using rising intonation with vous passez de bonnes vacances ?
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Belgium, you may hear the forms Passes-tu de bonnes vacances? or Profites-tu de ton séjour?
How does it change in a sentence?
In spoken French, you can add est-ce que to the beginning of the phrase (est-ce que vous passez de bonnes vacances ?) as a standard way to signal that you are asking a question. When speaking informally to one person, use tu passes de bonnes vacances ? instead of the vous form.
Did you know?
- The word vacances comes from the Latin word for 'empty', referring to the empty spaces left in a school or court's schedule.
- In France, it is common to respond to vous passez de bonnes vacances ? by mentioning the weather first, as the quality of the trip is often tied to the climate.
- The word vacances is always plural in French, regardless of whether you are taking one single holiday or several trips.
Examples in context
- Alors, vous passez de bonnes vacances ?So, are you enjoying your holiday?
Example conversation
Two acquaintances meet by chance at a seaside resort.
- HugoBonjour Léa ! Vous passez de bonnes vacances ?Hello Léa! Are you enjoying your holiday?
- LéaOui, c'est magnifique ici, merci Hugo.Yes, it is magnificent here, thank you Hugo.
- HugoC'est super. Vous restez encore longtemps ?That's great. Are you staying much longer?
- LéaJe pars samedi prochain.I leave next Saturday.
