cours d'histoire
The English phrase "history class" is translated into French as cours d'histoire.
The term cours d'histoire is used to describe a lesson or a specific course of study focused on the study of the past.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of cours (course or class) and d'histoire (of history).
Which one should you use?
While cours d'histoire refers to the academic subject or a specific session, the word histoire alone refers to the field of history itself.
How does it change in a sentence?
To refer to a specific history class, use the singular definite article le before cours to form le cours d'histoire. To refer to history classes in general or multiple sessions, use the plural les cours to form les cours d'histoire.
Did you know?
- While English uses 'class' for both the lesson and the room, French distinguishes them. A cours d'histoire is the instruction itself, whereas the classe is the physical room or the group of students.
- The word cours is a doublet of the English word 'course', as both were inherited from the Latin cursus, which originally meant a running or a path.
- In French, the word histoire is used for both 'history' as an academic subject and 'story' as a narrative. This means a cours d'histoire could theoretically be a class about storytelling.
Examples in context
- Je détestais les cours d'histoire.I hated history class.This sentence shows how to express a dislike for cours d'histoire.Tatoeba #2334276 by sacredceltic, translation #2334162 by CK
- Le cours d'histoire commence à neuf heures.The history class starts at nine.This sentence uses cours d'histoire to indicate a starting time.Tatoeba #7141524 by Aiji, translation #326120 by Eldad
- Il somnola en cours d'histoire.He dozed off in history class.This sentence describes an action occurring during cours d'histoire.Tatoeba #1180150 by rene1596, translation #304789 by CK
- Je dois assister à un cours d'histoire demain matin.I have to attend a history class tomorrow morning.
- Qu'est-ce qu'on apprend en histoire à l'école?What do we learn in history at school?
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Léa and Lucas are talking about their university schedules.
- LéaTu as un cours d'histoire aujourd'hui ?Do you have a history class today?
- LucasOui, j'ai mon cours d'histoire à quatorze heures.Yes, I have my history class at two p.m.
- LéaEst-ce que ton cours d'histoire est difficile ?Is your history class difficult?
- LucasNon, il est très intéressant pour moi.No, it is very interesting to me.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cours, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
