Going on holiday is always an exciting experience, and if you want to share your adventures in French, learning how to express “I went on holiday” is essential. In this comprehensive guide, we will cover both formal and informal ways to convey this idea in French. Whether you want to impress a formal setting or have a casual conversation with friends, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “I Went on Holiday” in French:
When speaking in formal contexts, such as business meetings or official settings, it’s important to use proper and polite language. Here are some phrases you can use to express that you went on holiday:
1. Je suis parti(e) en vacances.
This is a simple and straightforward way to say “I went on holiday” in French. The verb “partir” means “to leave,” and when combined with “en vacances,” it translates to “on holiday.”
Example: J’ai profité de quelques jours de repos et je suis parti(e) en vacances. (I took advantage of a few days off and went on holiday.)
2. J’ai fait un voyage.
If you want to emphasize that your holiday involved traveling, you can use this phrase. “Faire un voyage” means “to take a trip” in French.
Example: Pour me détendre, j’ai fait un voyage dans le sud de la France. (To relax, I took a trip to the south of France.)
3. J’ai pris des congés.
If you want to be more specific and mention that you took time off for your holiday, you can use “prendre des congés.” In French, “prendre” means “to take,” and “congés” means “time off.”
Example: J’ai décidé de prendre des congés bien mérités et de partir en vacances. (I decided to take some well-deserved time off and go on holiday.)
Informal Ways to Say “I Went on Holiday” in French:
When talking to friends, family, or in casual situations, you can use more relaxed language. Here are some informal expressions to convey that you went on holiday:
1. Je suis parti(e) en vacances.
Yes, you’ve seen this phrase before, but it works perfectly well in informal settings too. Remember that French speakers tend to use the same expressions in both formal and informal contexts.
Example: Tu ne devineras jamais où je suis parti(e) en vacances! (You’ll never guess where I went on holiday!)
2. Je me suis évadé(e).
A more colloquial expression for “I went on holiday” is “Je me suis évadé(e),” which translates to “I escaped” or “I got away.”
Example: Ça fait du bien de se vider la tête et de s’évader en vacances. (It feels good to clear your mind and escape on holiday.)
3. J’ai pris le large.
If you want to emphasize the idea of going away or getting some distance, you can use the expression “J’ai pris le large.” It literally means “I took to the open sea.”
Example: Pendant deux semaines, j’ai déconnecté de tout et j’ai pris le large en vacances. (For two weeks, I disconnected from everything and went away on holiday.)
Regional Variations:
French is spoken in various regions, each with its own unique expressions and variations. While the phrases mentioned above are widely understood throughout the French-speaking world, here are a few regional variations:
1. Quebec French:
In Quebec, Canada, they might say “Je suis parti(e) en vacances” just like in standard French. However, “partir en voyage” is also commonly used to mean “to go on holiday.”
2. Belgian French:
In Belgium, the phrase “Je suis parti(e) en congé” is an alternative way to say “I went on holiday.” The word “congé” means “holiday” or “time off” in this context.
3. Swiss French:
In Switzerland, you can use the phrase “Je suis parti(e) en vacances” to convey the idea of “I went on holiday.” Similar to standard French, this expression works well.
Tips for Conversations:
When discussing your holidays in French, try incorporating these tips:
1. Use descriptive language:
When explaining your holiday experience, make use of descriptive language to paint a vivid picture. This will captivate your listeners and make your story more engaging.
2. Practice past tenses:
Besides learning how to say “I went on holiday,” familiarize yourself with past tenses like the passé composé or the imparfait. They will help you provide more details and tell a more complete story.
3. Ask questions:
Show interest in others’ holidays by asking questions. This will not only keep the conversation flowing but also help you learn more about different holiday destinations.
4. Learn regional vocabulary:
If you plan to visit a specific French-speaking region, take some time to learn region-specific vocabulary related to holidays. It will enhance your communication and show your interest in the local culture.
In Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve reached the end of our comprehensive guide on how to say “I went on holiday” in French. Now you have the knowledge to express yourself formally or informally, regardless of the setting. Remember to adapt your language to the context and always keep a warm and friendly tone. Whether you’re conversing with new French-speaking friends or impressing in a formal environment, adding these phrases to your vocabulary will undoubtedly enhance your communication skills. Bonnes vacances! (Enjoy your holidays!)
