dimanche
/di.mɑ̃ʃ/
dimanche is the French word for Sunday.
How does it change in a sentence?
To indicate a recurring event that happens every Sunday, use the definite article to say le dimanche. When referring to a specific Sunday, use the bare noun dimanche. If you want to say next Sunday, the correct phrase is dimanche prochain rather than prochain dimanche. To say last Sunday, use dimanche dernier instead of dernier dimanche.
How do you pronounce it?
/di.mɑ̃ʃ/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly try to use the prepositions sur or en to say "on Sunday". Instead, use the bare noun dimanche for a specific Sunday or le dimanche to describe a habit.
Did you know?
- In parts of France, the term 'dimanche gras' refers to the specific period of 'fat Sunday' before Lent, marking a shift from indulgence to fasting.
- While the English 'Sunday' is named after the Sun, the French dimanche completely ignores the sun in favor of religious authority.
- The French concept of dimanche is closely linked to the tradition of the déjeuner dominical, a long family lunch that can last several hours.
Examples in context
- Je vais à l'église tous les dimanches .I go to church every Sunday.
- Nous aimons faire des promenades en famille le dimanche .We enjoy taking family walks on Sundays.
- Qu'est-ce que tu fais ce dimanche ?What are you doing this Sunday?
- On se voit dimanche ?Shall we see each other on Sunday?
- Je travaille ce dimanche.I am working this Sunday.
- Le magasin est fermé le dimanche.The store is closed on Sundays.
Example conversation
Two friends are planning their weekend.
- GabrielTu es libre dimanche ?Are you free on Sunday?
- EmmaOui, je n'ai rien de prévu.Yes, I have nothing planned.
- GabrielOn va au parc dimanche ?Shall we go to the park on Sunday?
- EmmaC'est une excellente idée, Gabriel.That is an excellent idea, Gabriel.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry dimanche, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
