le jour
In French, le jour means the English phrase 'the day'.
le jour refers specifically to the period of time between sunrise and sunset. In this context, it is often contrasted with la nuit (the night).
Which one should you use?
While le jour refers to the period of light, it is distinct from the expression le jour J, which is used informally to refer to a highly anticipated or special day.
Did you know?
- The phrase voir le jour literally means 'to see the day' but is used idiomatically to mean 'to be born' or for a project 'to be launched'.
- The word jour is related to the English word 'journal', as a journal is originally a record of days or daily events.
- While le jour refers to the light, the word journée is used when you want to emphasize the duration or the experience of the day from start to finish.
Examples in context
- Le jour de votre mariage approche rapidement.The day of your wedding is approaching quickly.
- Le jour de la fête est enfin arrivé !The day of the party has finally arrived!
- On se retrouve le jour J au café à 18 heures !Let's meet on the big day at the café at 6 PM!
- Le jour est très long en été.The day is very long in summer.
- Il fait trop sombre, il faut attendre le jour.It is too dark, we must wait for the daylight.
Example conversation
Lucas and Emma are planning a hiking trip.
- LucasOn partira tôt le jour.We will leave early in the day.
- EmmaC'est une excellente idée, Lucas.That is an excellent idea, Lucas.
- LucasOn profitera mieux du paysage.We will enjoy the landscape more.
- EmmaJe suis d'accord avec toi.I agree with you.
