bel été
The English phrase "have a good summer" is translated into French as bel été.
bel été is used as a friendly wish to tell someone to enjoy their summer break. In French, this phrase is often used as a standalone exclamation or a closing remark in correspondence rather than a full sentence with a verb. The verb souhaiter translates to "to wish."
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, you can say Passe un bel été!
Did you know?
- The word été shares a deep ancestral root with the English word 'heat', both tracing back to an ancient Indo-European root meaning 'to burn'.
- While bel été refers to the season, French speakers more frequently use bonnes vacances to wish someone a good summer break. This distinguishes the meteorological season from the actual time off work or school.
- The word bel is a special form of beau used specifically before masculine nouns starting with a vowel or silent h to avoid a clash of sounds.
Examples in context
- As-tu passé un bel été ?Did you have a good summer?This sentence is useful for asking if someone had a good summer using bel été.Tatoeba #2076639 by sacredceltic, translation #1886150 by CK
- Lucie, je te souhaite un bel été plein de joie et de découvertes!Lucie, I wish you a beautiful summer filled with joy and discoveries!
- Je vous souhaite un bel été.I wish you a good summer.
- Passez un bel été en famille.Have a good summer with your family.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two colleagues are leaving the office for the holidays.
- HugoAu revoir, Léa, passe un bel été !Goodbye, Léa, have a good summer!
- LéaMerci Hugo, toi aussi !Thanks Hugo, you too!
- HugoProfite bien de tes vacances.Enjoy your vacation well.
- LéaÀ bientôt !See you soon!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bel, été, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
