Jours de la semaine
The English phrase "days of week" is translated into French as Jours de la semaine.
This phrase refers to the names of the seven days that make up a week. Note that in French, the names of the days of the week are not capitalized unless they appear at the beginning of a sentence.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of jours (days), de (of), la (the) and semaine (week).
How does it change in a sentence?
When referring to the specific set of days in a general context, the definite article les is often added to the beginning to form les jours de la semaine. If you are referring to a single specific day within the week, use the singular form le jour de la semaine. Regarding the pronunciation of individual days, the stress falls on the last syllable in Mardi, Mercredi, Jeudi, Vendredi, Samedi and Dimanche.
Did you know?
- French speakers often use the phrase faire le pont (to make the bridge) when a public holiday falls on a Thursday or Tuesday.
- In France, the official first day of the week on calendars and in administration is lundi (Monday) rather than Sunday.
- The word semaine comes from the Latin septimānus, meaning 'related to the seventh element of a series'.
Examples in context
- Hier, c'était samedi et nous avons fait une belle promenade au parc.Yesterday was Saturday, and we had a nice walk in the park.
- Jeudi prochain, j'ai un rendez-vous chez le dentiste.Next Thursday, I have an appointment at the dentist.
- Les magasins sont fermés le dimanche .The shops are closed on Sunday.
- Je connais les jours de la semaine.I know the days of the week.
- Quels sont les jours de la semaine ?What are the days of the week?
- Il doit apprendre les jours de la semaine.He must learn the days of the week.
Example conversation
Nathan and Emma are studying together in a library.
- NathanEst-ce que tu révises les jours de la semaine ?Are you reviewing the days of the week?
- EmmaOui, je trouve ça un peu difficile.Yes, I find it a bit difficult.
- NathanJe peux t'aider avec les jours de la semaine.I can help you with the days of the week.
- EmmaMerci, c'est très gentil de ta part.Thank you, that is very kind of you.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, la, semaine, CC BY-SA 4.0.
