c'est un rendez-vous
The English phrase "it a date" can be translated into French as c'est un rendez-vous.
The phrase c'est un rendez-vous is used to confirm that a specific time and place have been agreed upon for a meeting. Note that in French, the day comes before the month and months are not capitalized.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "it is an appointment" or "it is a meeting".
Which one should you use?
In English, "a date" often implies a romantic encounter. In contrast, the French un rendez-vous is gender-neutral and can refer to a business meeting, a doctor's appointment or a romantic date.
Did you know?
- The word rendez-vous is actually a command, originating from the imperative form of 'to go' or 'to present oneself'. It literally translates to 'present yourselves' or 'go to yourselves'.
- While rendez-vous is used for all types of meetings, modern French speakers often use the English word date as slang to specifically signal that a meeting is romantic.
- In French, un rendez-vous does not only refer to the time of a meeting, but can also describe the physical location, such as un point de rendez-vous for a meeting point.
Examples in context
- On se voit à huit heures, c'est un rendez-vous.We are seeing each other at eight o'clock, it's a date.
- Demain à midi au café, c'est un rendez-vous.Tomorrow at noon at the cafe, it's a date.
Example conversation
Manon and Gabriel are agreeing to meet for coffee.
- ManonOn se retrouve au café demain ?Shall we meet at the café tomorrow?
- GabrielOui, vers dix heures.Yes, around ten o'clock.
- ManonParfait, c'est un rendez-vous !Perfect, it's a date!
- GabrielÀ demain, Manon.See you tomorrow, Manon.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries c'est, rendez-vous, un, CC BY-SA 4.0.
