je suis en vacances
The English phrase 'I'm on holiday' is translated into French as je suis en vacances.
This phrase is used to communicate that you are taking a break from work or school for a period of leisure.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to 'I am in holidays'.
Which one should you use?
While je suis en vacances refers to a general holiday or vacation, the phrase je suis en congé is more specifically used to refer to official leave from work or a specific period of time off granted by an employer.
How does it change in a sentence?
In this context, the preposition en is used with vacances and the word vacances is always plural.
Did you know?
- While vacances means 'holiday' today, it comes from the Latin word for 'empty'. Historically, it referred to the 'empty' time when a court or an office was not in session.
- The word congé in je suis en congé shares a root with the English word 'congeal', as both derive from the Latin 'concedere' meaning to yield or grant.
- In many French-speaking parts of Africa, people may use je suis en congé more frequently than je suis en vacances to describe a temporary break from professional duties.
Examples in context
- Je suis en vacances.I'm on holiday.Tatoeba #6538 by TRANG, translation #1655626 by CK
- Je suis en vacances cette semaine.I'm on holiday this week.Tatoeba #6533 by sysko, translation #10189287 by CK
- Bonjour, je suis en vacances jusqu'à la fin du mois.Hello, I'm on holiday until the end of the month.
- Je suis en vacances à la montagne.I'm on holiday in the mountains.
Example conversation
Lucas and Chloé meet by chance at a cafe.
- LucasSalut Chloé ! Qu'est-ce que tu fais ici ?Hi Chloé! What are you doing here?
- ChloéJe suis en vacances pour deux semaines.I'm on holiday for two weeks.
- LucasC'est génial ! Tu te reposes bien ?That's great! Are you resting well?
- ChloéOui, je profite bien du soleil.Yes, I'm really enjoying the sun.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
