When learning a new language, it’s important to understand the different ways to express common phrases and terms. One such phrase, “every year,” is a fundamental concept that allows you to express recurring events or actions. In this guide, we will explore the formal and informal ways to say “every year” in French, providing you with tips, examples, and even discussing regional variations if necessary.
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Formal Ways to Say “Every Year” in French
When it comes to formal situations, such as official documents, business settings, or academic writing, you should use the phrase “every year” more appropriately. Here are some formal ways to express this concept in French:
1. Chaque année
One commonly used formal phrase for “every year” is “chaque année.” This expression is widely understood and accepted in all French-speaking regions. Here’s an example:
Le festival a lieu chaque année au mois de juillet. (The festival takes place every year in July.)
2. Tous les ans
Another formal option is “tous les ans,” which is equivalent to “every year.” This phrase is often used interchangeably with “chaque année” and is equally appropriate in formal contexts:
La cérémonie a lieu tous les ans à la même date. (The ceremony takes place every year on the same date.)
Informal Ways to Say “Every Year” in French
In casual conversations or when speaking with friends and family, you may want to use a more relaxed and informal expression for “every year.” Here are a couple of options:
1. Chaque année / Tous les ans
While “chaque année” and “tous les ans” are considered formal phrases, they can also be used informally. However, it’s common to drop the pronoun and simply say “chaque année” or “tous les ans” in casual settings:
- On se retrouve chaque année pour fêter Noël en famille. (We get together every year to celebrate Christmas with the family.)
- Tous les ans, on part en vacances à la mer avec nos amis. (Every year, we go on vacation to the seaside with our friends.)
2. Tous les ans, chaque année
In informal conversations, you may also hear people using “tous les ans” or “chaque année” at the beginning of a sentence for added emphasis or clarity:
- Tous les ans, je fais un voyage à l’étranger. (Every year, I take a trip abroad.)
- Chaque année, nous célébrons notre anniversaire de mariage avec une soirée romantique. (Every year, we celebrate our wedding anniversary with a romantic evening.)
Regional Variations
French is spoken in various regions across the world, and some slight variations in phrases and expressions may occur. However, when it comes to saying “every year,” the phrases mentioned above (both formal and informal) are widely understood and used throughout French-speaking communities. Therefore, you do not need to worry about specific regional variations for this particular concept.
Key Tips for Using “Every Year” in French
Here are some essential tips to keep in mind when using the phrase “every year” in French:
- Use “chaque année” or “tous les ans” for formal situations.
- Informally, you can drop the pronoun and just say “chaque année” or “tous les ans.”
- “Chaque année / Tous les ans” can also be used at the beginning of a sentence for emphasis or clarity.
- Remember to conjugate the verb correctly depending on the context and subject.
- Always consider the context and level of formality when choosing the appropriate phrase.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to use “every year” correctly in your conversations, whether in formal or informal settings.
Conclusion
Now that you have learned the different ways to say “every year” in French, both formally and informally, you can confidently express recurring events or actions in your conversations. Remember to use “chaque année” or “tous les ans” in formal situations and drop the pronoun when speaking informally. Practice using these phrases in various contexts to improve your French language skills and fluency. Happy learning!
