fête du travail
fête du travail is the French way to say labour day.
The phrase refers to the public holiday that celebrates the achievements of workers.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of fête (holiday or feast), du (of the) and travail (work).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, Fête du Travail is a common term for Labour Day. In parts of Switzerland, the regional variation Journée des Travailleurs is used to mean Workers' Day.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase is a feminine noun phrase, which is why the definite article la is used in the form la fête du travail.
When do people say it?
In French-speaking countries, this holiday is specifically celebrated on May 1st, known as le 1er mai.
Did you know?
- The word travail is a linguistic fossil of a much darker origin, tracing back to the Latin word tripālium, which referred to a 'torture device made of three stakes'.
- In France, it is a long-standing tradition to give sprigs of lily of the valley muguet to loved ones and colleagues on la fête du travail.
- La fête du travail often involves large worker marches in France, transforming a day of rest into a day of active political demonstration.
Examples in context
- Joyeuse Fête du Travail!Happy Labor Day!
- Bon 1er Mai!Happy 1st of May!
- La fête du travail est en mai.Labour Day is in May.
- Est-ce que la fête du travail est un jour férié ?Is Labour Day a public holiday?
Example conversation
Emma and Nathan are planning their long weekend.
- EmmaOn part en voyage pour la fête du travail ?Shall we go on a trip for Labour Day?
- NathanC'est une excellente idée, Emma.That is an excellent idea, Emma.
- EmmaOù veux-tu aller, Nathan ?Where do you want to go, Nathan?
- NathanJe préfère aller à la campagne.I prefer to go to the countryside.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries du, fête, travail, CC BY-SA 4.0.
