Le matin
The English phrase "in the morning" translates to the French phrase Le matin.
Le matin is used to describe something that happens during the early part of the day.
Which one should you use?
While le matin refers to the general time of day, ce matin is used specifically to mean "this morning".
How does it change in a sentence?
Unlike English, which uses the preposition "in", French uses the definite article le to express "in the morning" when describing a habitual or general time.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using the preposition dans to translate "in" for this phrase. dans le matin is incorrect in French.
Did you know?
- The word matin is rooted in the name of Matuta, a Roman goddess who personified the dawn.
- Using the word dans to mean 'in' when talking about le matin is a common mistake for English speakers, as it would sound like you are inside a physical object called 'the morning'.
- French distinguishes between le matin and l'aube, where the latter refers specifically to the break of dawn rather than the general morning period.
Examples in context
- Je partirai le matin.I leave in the morning.This sentence is useful for describing when someone leaves.Tatoeba #4198255 by olivier, translation #2377280 by CK
- Je travaille le matin.I work in the morning.This sentence is useful for describing when someone works.Tatoeba #464072 by sacredceltic, translation #455783 by lukaszpp
- Lève-toi tôt le matin.Get up early in the morning.This sentence is useful for describing when someone gets up early.Tatoeba #12895796 by lbdx, translation #277829 by CK
- La réunion aura lieu dans la matinée.The meeting will take place in the morning.
- Votre rendez-vous est prévu le matin.Your appointment is scheduled in the morning.
- Je me suis levé tôt ce matin-là.I woke up early that morning.
- 127 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nathan and Manon are talking about their schedules at a cafe.
- NathanTu es libre le matin ?Are you free in the morning?
- ManonNon, je suis occupée le matin.No, I am busy in the morning.
- NathanD'accord, et l'après-midi ?Okay, and in the afternoon?
- ManonL'après-midi, c'est parfait pour moi.In the afternoon is perfect for me.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Le, le, matin, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
