lundi dernier
In French, "last Monday" is said as lundi dernier.
The phrase refers to the Monday that occurred most recently before the present day.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the noun lundi (Monday) followed by the adjective dernier (last/previous).
Which one should you use?
lundi dernier refers to the Monday in the past, whereas lundi prochain refers to the upcoming Monday.
How does it change in a sentence?
In French, when using lundi dernier as an adverbial phrase to mean 'on last Monday', the definite article le is typically omitted. In the expression lundi dernier, the adjective follows the noun.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers may mistakenly place the adjective before the noun (le dernier lundi), but in this context, the adjective dernier follows the noun lundi.
Did you know?
- If you were to say 'le dernier lundi' instead of 'lundi dernier', a French speaker might think you are referring to the very final Monday in a specific series or even the last Monday of existence.
- The word lundi is a direct descendant of the Latin phrase for 'day of the moon', making Monday a lunar celebration in its linguistic roots.
- The French word dernier is a linguistic sibling to the English word 'rear', as both share a root meaning 'backwards' or 'from behind'.
Examples in context
- Où étais-tu lundi dernier ?Where were you last Monday?This sentence is useful for asking about someone's location on lundi dernier.Tatoeba #5964205 by Aiji, translation #3822327 by CK
- Tom est parti lundi dernier.Tom left last Monday.This sentence is useful for stating when someone departed using lundi dernier.Tatoeba #10998547 by Rovo, translation #7999204 by CK
- J'étais à Boston lundi dernier.I was in Boston last Monday.This sentence is useful for stating where you were on lundi dernier.Tatoeba #6572055 by GB3, translation #6353067 by CK
- On s'est bien amusés à la fête lundi qui vient de passer, non ?We had a great time at the party last Monday, didn't we?
- 16 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Léa and Gabriel are talking about a work meeting.
- LéaTu as fini le rapport lundi dernier ?Did you finish the report last Monday?
- GabrielNon, je l'ai envoyé mardi.No, I sent it on Tuesday.
- LéaD'accord, Gabriel.Okay, Gabriel.
- GabrielPas de problème, Léa.No problem, Léa.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries dernier, lundi, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
