passer l'Halloween
To go trick or treating in French is passer l'Halloween.
This phrase describes the activity of visiting neighbors on Halloween night to collect candy.
Which one should you use?
While passer l'Halloween is used in Quebec, in France people are more likely to use the phrase faire la tournée des bonbons to describe the activity.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, Canada, people often use the phrase Est-ce que je peux aller 'faire de l'Halloween'?
Did you know?
- The verb passer in the Quebecois phrase passer l'Halloween shares an ancient ancestor with the English word 'pace', both coming from the Latin word passus meaning 'a step'.
- Because Halloween is viewed as an American import in France, you may find people mixing English words directly into their sentences instead of using the formal faire la tournée des bonbons.
- While English speakers use 'trick' as a threat, French speakers in Quebec often use the verb faire ('to do') when talking about Halloween, treating the holiday like an activity or a hobby.
Example conversation
Léa and Hugo are talking about their Halloween plans.
- LéaHugo, tu veux passer l'Halloween avec moi ?Hugo, do you want to go trick or treating with me?
- HugoOui, c'est une super idée !Yes, that's a great idea!
- LéaOn peut commencer par la rue d'à côté.We can start with the next street.
- HugoD'accord, je vais préparer mon costume.Okay, I'm going to prepare my costume.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries passer, CC BY-SA 4.0.
