What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of semaine (week) and chargée (loaded or full), which literally means a 'loaded week'.
Which one should you use?
For a more descriptive sense of a week packed with activities, you might use une semaine bien remplie. If you wish to describe a week that was particularly wild or chaotic, you can use the informal expression semaine de folie, which translates to 'crazy week'. For an extremely busy week, young people in France often use the slang term semaine chargée de ouf.
How does it change in a sentence?
Because semaine is a feminine noun, the adjective chargé must take the feminine ending '-e' to become chargée. To express the plural 'busy weeks', both the noun and the adjective must take the plural suffix '-s', resulting in semaines chargées.
Did you know?
- The slang expression de ouf used in semaine chargée de ouf is an example of verlan, a type of French slang where syllables are inverted. Ouf is the word fou (crazy) flipped backwards.
- While 'busy' is the standard English translation, the word chargée is used for things like a 'loaded' gun or a 'charged' battery.
- The word semaine originates from the Latin word septimānus, which specifically described the 'seventh element of a series'.
Examples in context
- J'ai eu une semaine chargée.I've had a busy week.This sentence shows how to express that you have had a busy week using semaine chargée.Tatoeba #5599843 by Aiji, translation #1891189 by CK
- Tom a eu une semaine chargée.Tom has had a busy week.This sentence uses semaine chargée to describe Tom's busy week.Tatoeba #7698980 by Maxence, translation #5154772 by CK
- Nous avons une semaine chargée devant nous.We have a busy week ahead of us.This sentence uses semaine chargée to describe a busy week that is coming up.Tatoeba #7695790 by Maxence, translation #2046845 by CK
- J'ai eu une semaine chargée au travailI had a busy week at work
- C'était une semaine bien remplie dans mon organisationIt was a busy week in my organization
- J'ai passé une semaine chargée de ouf !I had a crazy busy week!
- La semaine dernière a été une semaine de folie !Last week was a crazy busy week!
- J'ai eu une semaine chargée avec de nombreux projets à gérerI had a busy week with many projects to handle
- J'ai vécu une semaine chargée au bureau avec de nombreuses réunions et délais serrésI had a busy week at the office with lots of meetings and tight deadlines
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nathan and Léa are catching up at a cafe.
- NathanTu as passé une semaine chargée ?Did you have a busy week?
- LéaOui, c'était une semaine chargée pour moi.Yes, it was a busy week for me.
- NathanJe comprends, je suis très fatigué aussi.I understand, I am very tired too.
- LéaRepose-toi bien ce week-end, Nathan.Have a good rest this weekend, Nathan.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries semaine, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
