devoirs de vacances
The English phrase holiday homework is translated into French as devoirs de vacances.
Devoirs de vacances is a common and standard expression for holiday homework. In a classroom context, French speakers almost always use the definite article les when referring to the set of holiday homework assigned to the class, resulting in les devoirs de vacances.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of devoirs (homework) and de vacances (of holidays/vacation).
How does it change in a sentence?
While devoirs is the standard plural form used for homework, the singular devoir de vacances can be used when referring to a single specific assignment.
Did you know?
- A French student might describe their devoirs de vacances as une corvée, a word that historically referred to the unpaid forced labor peasants owed to their lords.
- In France, the concept of devoirs de vacances is often debated in political campaigns, with some politicians periodically proposing to ban them to ensure a total break for children.
- In French, vacances is always plural when referring to a holiday or break. Using the singular vacance changes the meaning entirely to 'vacancy', as in an empty job position.
Examples in context
- Les professeurs nous ont donné beaucoup de devoirs de vacances pour les fêtes.The teachers gave us a lot of holiday homework for the holidays.
- J'ai encore beaucoup de travail de vacances à terminer avant la rentrée.I still have a lot of holiday homework to complete before school starts.
- Je dois faire mes devoirs pendant les vacances, c'est nul !I have to do my homework during the holidays, it's no fun!
- As-tu des devoirs à faire pendant les vacances ?Do you have any homework to do during the holidays?
- J'ai fini mes devoirs de vacances.I finished my holiday homework.
- Les devoirs de vacances sont difficiles.The holiday homework is difficult.
- Est-ce qu'il y a des devoirs de vacances ?Is there any holiday homework?
Example conversation
Two students are talking at school.
- HugoSalut Manon, tu as fait tes devoirs de vacances ?Hi Manon, did you do your holiday homework?
- ManonPas encore, Hugo. C'est beaucoup trop long.Not yet, Hugo. It's way too long.
- HugoMoi aussi, je n'ai fait que la moitié.Me too, I've only done half.
- ManonOn peut les finir ensemble ce soir ?Can we finish them together tonight?
