Boxing Day
masculine
Boxing Day in French is Boxing Day, a masculine noun, though French in France usually calls the day Saint-Étienne. If unsure, use Boxing Day. Wiktionary also lists lendemain de Noël.
Meaning: the day after Christmas: 26 December (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Boxing Day | masculine | |
| lendemain de Noël | Canada, masculine | |
| Saint-Étienne | /sɛ̃.t‿e.tjɛn/ | feminine |
The English name Boxing Day is used in French for 26 December, the day after Christmas.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Canada the day is also called lendemain de Noël, the day after Christmas. In France it is traditionally referred to as Saint-Étienne rather than by the English name.
How does it change in a sentence?
Boxing Day and lendemain de Noël are masculine, while Saint-Étienne is feminine when it names the day.
Did you know?
- While the English 'Boxing Day' refers to the act of giving, the French name Saint-Étienne commemorates the first Christian martyr who was stoned to death.
- The word Noël shares a linguistic ancestor with the English word 'natal', both stemming from the Latin word 'nātālis' which means 'relating to birth'.
Examples in context
- « Boxing Day », c'est le premier jour ouvrable après Noël, où le facteur, le laitier, etc, reçoivent des cadeaux.Boxing Day, when presents are given to the postman, the milkman, etc., is the first week-day after Christmas.This sentence explains Boxing Day as the first working day after Christmas, when the postman and the milkman receive gifts.Tatoeba #1604009 by hortusdei, translation #33586 by AlanF_US
- Le Boxing Day est un jour de soldes.Boxing Day is a day for sales.
Example conversation
Léa and Hugo are discussing their holiday plans.
- LéaQu'est-ce que tu fais pour Boxing Day ?What are you doing for Boxing Day?
- HugoJe vais profiter des soldes, Hugo.I am going to take advantage of the sales, Hugo.
- LéaMoi aussi, je veux acheter un manteau.Me too, I want to buy a coat.
- HugoOn peut y aller ensemble alors !We can go together then!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “boxing day” translations and entries Saint-Étienne, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Noël, de, lendemain, noël, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
