décalage horaire
/de.ka.la.ʒ‿ɔ.ʁɛʁ/masculine
The English phrase jet lag is translated into French as décalage horaire.
décalage horaire is a masculine noun used to describe the physical condition resulting from traveling across different time zones. When describing the discomfort caused by this condition, French speakers typically use the phrase souffrir du décalage horaire (to suffer from jet lag) rather than simply saying they have it.
Meaning: physical condition (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The term is composed of décalage, meaning a shift or gap and horaire, which means relating to time.
How does it change in a sentence?
As a masculine noun, décalage horaire is used with masculine articles such as le or un.
How do you pronounce it?
/de.ka.la.ʒ‿ɔ.ʁɛʁ/
Did you know?
- While décalage horaire refers to the time difference, the French word décalage is also used in sports to describe a tactical gap in a defense that allows a player to break through.
- The word décalage can describe a psychological or social mismatch, such as a 'gap' in understanding or expectations between two people.
- Unlike English, where 'lag' implies a slow delay, décalage focuses on the 'shift' or 'offset' of the body's internal clock.
Examples in context
- J'ai un méchant décalage horaire.I've got a bad case of jet lag.This sentence shows how to express having a bad case of décalage horaire.Tatoeba #1350652 by sacredceltic, translation #264091 by CK
- Je souffre encore à cause du décalage horaire.I'm still suffering from jet lag.This sentence illustrates the use of the verb to suffer from décalage horaire.Tatoeba #947871 by U2FS, translation #255647 by CK
- Cela fait une semaine mais je souffre toujours du décalage horaire.It's been a week, but I'm still suffering from jet lag.This sentence shows how to describe continuing to suffer from décalage horaire after a week.Tatoeba #947870 by U2FS, translation #73130 by CK
- Après le vol transatlantique, j'ai toujours un énorme décalage horaire.After the transatlantic flight, I always have a huge jet lag.
- Après ce vol long-courrier, j'ai toujours un sacré déphasage.After this long-haul flight, I always have quite a jet lag.
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nathan has just arrived from a long trip to Asia.
- NathanJe suis fatigué à cause du décalage horaire.I am tired because of the jet lag.
- ChloéC'est normal, tu as traversé beaucoup de fuseaux.That's normal, you crossed many time zones.
- NathanOui, ce décalage horaire est vraiment difficile.Yes, this jet lag is really difficult.
- ChloéRepose-toi bien, Nathan.Get some good rest, Nathan.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “jet lag” translations and entries décalage horaire, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
