partir en vacances
To go on vacation in French is partir en vacances.
This phrase is used to describe the act of leaving one's home or starting a trip for the purpose of leisure and recreation.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase partir en vacances literally means to leave on vacations.
Which one should you use?
While partir en vacances describes the act of leaving for a trip, you should use être en vacances to describe the state of currently being on vacation.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Québec, the word congé might be used instead of vacances.
How does it change in a sentence?
In French, the word for vacation is almost always used in the plural form, vacances.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using the singular form vacance when translating this phrase. Instead, always use the plural vacances.
Did you know?
- In France, the 'August exodus' is a cultural phenomenon where a huge portion of the population partir en vacances simultaneously, often causing cities to feel deserted.
- The word congé, used in Québec for vacation, is also used in France to describe the official act of dismissing an employee or 'giving their notice'.
- The word vacances shares a linguistic lineage with the English word 'vacant'. Both stem from the Latin concept of being empty or free, reflecting the idea that one's time is 'empty' of work during a holiday.
Examples in context
- L'ami avec lequel je voulais partir en vacances est dans ce train.The friend I wanted to go on vacation with is in this train.This sentence shows how to describe a person you intended to travel with using partir en vacances.Tatoeba #6892929 by felix63, translation #6894721 by kaiperkins271
- Ils sont venus travailler en Australie pour coffrer et partir en vacances en Asie.They came to work in Australia so they could save up and then go on vacation in Asia.This sentence illustrates using partir en vacances to describe traveling for work and leisure.Tatoeba #13086090 by QuentiBc, translation #13151961 by QuentiBc
- Quand on commence à ressembler à la photo de son passeport, on devrait partir en vacances.When you start to look like the photo in your passport, it's time to go on vacation.This sentence uses partir en vacances in a humorous context regarding one's appearance.Tatoeba #3368 by kurisutofu, translation #967871 by FeuDRenais2
- Je vais en vacances la semaine prochaineI am going on vacation next week
- Je vais prendre des vacances au mois de juilletI am going to take a vacation in July
- On part en vacances en juilletWe are going on vacation in July
- Il file en vacances pendant deux semainesHe's jetting off on vacation for two weeks
- Je pars en vacances pour me ressourcerI am going on vacation to recharge
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about their upcoming plans.
- ChloéTu veux partir en vacances quand ?When do you want to go on vacation?
- HugoJe compte partir en vacances en juillet.I plan to go on vacation in July.
- ChloéC'est une super idée, Hugo.That is a great idea, Hugo.
- HugoMerci, j'en ai vraiment besoin !Thanks, I really need it!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries en, partir, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
