Fête nationale
The English phrase "independence day" is translated into French as Fête nationale.
While English speakers often say "Independence Day," French speakers typically use Fête nationale to refer to their country's specific national holiday.
Meaning: holiday (name)
Which one should you use?
Fête nationale translates to "National holiday" or "National day." For more formal contexts, you may use Jour de l'Indépendance or Fête de l'Indépendance.
Did you know?
- Many French towns celebrate the Fête nationale with a 'bal des pompiers', a traditional dance hosted by the local fire department.
- In former French colonies, Fête nationale may refer to the specific date the country gained independence from France, rather than the French July 14 holiday.
- The word fête shares a common ancestor with the English word 'feast', tracing back to the Latin root 'fēstus'.
Examples in context
- Bonne fête nationale !Happy Independence Day!This example shows how to wish someone a happy Fête nationale.Tatoeba #6036183 by PERCE_NEIGE, translation #3504372 by Salem
- Chaque année, le 4 juillet, les Américains célèbrent le Jour de l'Indépendance avec des feux d'artifice spectaculaires.Every year, on July 4th, Americans celebrate Independence Day with spectacular fireworks.
- La Belgique commémore son indépendance le 21 juillet avec une grandiose Fête de l'Indépendance .Belgium commemorates its independence on July 21st with a grand Independence Celebration.
- Le 14 juillet est notre Fête nationale.July 14th is our national holiday.
- Ils organisent un concert pour la Fête nationale.They are organizing a concert for the national holiday.
Example conversation
Gabriel and Manon are talking about upcoming summer plans.
- GabrielTu fais quoi pour la Fête nationale ?What are you doing for the national holiday?
- ManonJe vais voir le feu d'artifice.I am going to see the fireworks.
- GabrielC'est une excellente idée, Manon.That is an excellent idea, Manon.
- ManonEt toi, Gabriel, tu as des projets ?And you, Gabriel, do you have any plans?
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries fête, nationale, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
