commémoration
feminine
The English word "commemoration" is translated into French as commémoration.
The term commémoration refers to the act of commemorating something. In formal contexts, you may also use the word L'hommage to express a tribute or homage during a commemoration.
Meaning: act of commemorating (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of commémoration is commémorations.
Did you know?
- While commémoration is the noun, the French government uses the specific term devoir de mémoire to describe the moral obligation to commemorate history and prevent its repetition.
- In France, the act of commémoration often involves the ritual of laying a wreath, called le dépôt de gerbe, which follows a very specific protocol regarding who is allowed to touch the flowers.
- While commémoration is the official term, you might hear the word anniversaire used in a non-birthday context to mark the anniversary of a tragic event.
Examples in context
- La Journée de la CommémorationCommemoration Day
- La célébration du centenaire de la fin de la Première Guerre mondialeThe celebration of the centenary of the end of World War I
- L'hommage national aux victimes de l'attentatThe national tribute to the victims of the attack
- Le souvenir de nos ancêtresThe remembrance of our ancestors
- Cette année, nous organisons une grande commémoration pour les soldats tombés pendant la guerre.This year, we are organizing a major commemoration for the soldiers who fell during the war.
- La commémoration aura lieu demain.The commemoration will take place tomorrow.
- Nous organisons une grande commémoration.We are organizing a large commemoration.
- C'est une commémoration très émouvante.It is a very moving commemoration.
Example conversation
Gabriel and Chloé are discussing a local ceremony in a park.
- GabrielTu viens à la commémoration ce soir ?Are you coming to the commemoration tonight?
- ChloéOui, je ne veux pas manquer ça.Yes, I don't want to miss it.
- GabrielC'est important pour notre ville.It is important for our town.
- ChloéTu as raison, Gabriel.You are right, Gabriel.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “commemoration” translations and entries commémoration, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
