soirée en amoureux
The English phrase "date night" can be translated into French as soirée en amoureux.
This phrase refers to a planned evening where a romantic couple spends time together alone.
What does it mean word for word?
The expression en amoureux literally translates to "as lovers" or "in a romantic way" and is used to modify the noun soirée to specify the romantic nature of the evening.
Which one should you use?
While the word soirée on its own can mean a general evening or a party, you must add en amoureux to distinguish a romantic date night from a social gathering with friends.
How does it change in a sentence?
Because soirée is a feminine noun, you must use the feminine indefinite article une when referring to a single date night, as in une soirée en amoureux.
Did you know?
- In French, the word rendez-vous is used for appointments or meetings, but using it for a 'date night' can sound overly formal or clinical compared to soirée en amoureux.
- French has no single word for 'date' when it refers to a romantic outing, which is why a descriptive phrase like soirée en amoureux is required.
- The word amoureux is a direct cousin to the English word 'amorous', which shares the same Latin root meaning 'full of love'.
Examples in context
- Nous planifions une soirée en amoureux au restaurant ce soir.We are planning a romantic evening at the restaurant tonight.
- Nous allons passer une soirée en couple devant un bon film.We are going to have a date night watching a good movie.
- On a prévu une petite soirée en amoureux.We planned a little date night.
- Nous avons prévu une soirée en amoureux ce samedi.We have planned a date night this Saturday.
- J'adore notre petite soirée en amoureux au restaurant.I love our little date night at the restaurant.
Example conversation
A couple is discussing their weekend plans at home.
- ManonGabriel, on fait une soirée en amoureux vendredi ?Gabriel, shall we have a date night on Friday?
- GabrielC'est une excellente idée, Manon !That's an excellent idea, Manon!
- ManonJe vais réserver un petit restaurant italien.I will book a little Italian restaurant.
- GabrielParfait, j'ai hâte d'y être.Perfect, I can't wait.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries amoureux, en, soirée, CC BY-SA 4.0.
