What does it mean word for word?
The phrase la semaine prochaine literally translates to 'the week next'.
Which one should you use?
While la semaine prochaine is the standard form, la semaine qui arrive is an informal way to refer to next week and semaine à venir is a more formal or business-oriented option.
How does it change in a sentence?
Because semaine is a feminine noun, the adjective prochain must take the feminine form prochaine. If you wish to say 'the next weeks' in the plural, you must pluralize the article and the adjective to les semaines prochaines to match the noun.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid saying prochain semaine. English speakers often forget to include the feminine article la or fail to make the adjective prochaine feminine.
When do people say it?
The expression À la semaine prochaine ! is a common way to say 'See you next week!' when parting ways with someone.
Did you know?
- The word semaine comes from the Latin septimānus, meaning 'related to the seventh'. This refers to the seven days of the week.
- If a French speaker says la semaine prochaine while it is currently Friday, they might mean the week starting in three days or the one after that, which often leads to confusion for tourists.
- In France, the first day of the week is Monday, whereas in some English-speaking cultures, it is Sunday.
Examples in context
- À la semaine prochaine !See you next week!This example shows how to use la semaine prochaine in a parting salutation.Tatoeba #6014280 by christian63, translation #32557 by CK
- Je pars la semaine prochaine.I am leaving next week.This example demonstrates using la semaine prochaine to indicate a future departure.Tatoeba #127993 by Julien_PDC, translation #262147 by CK
- On se voit la semaine prochaine.I'll see you next week.This example shows how to use la semaine prochaine to express seeing someone in the following week.Tatoeba #8728701 by Blabla, translation #3375750 by CK
- La semaine prochaine, nous aurons notre réunion annuelle.Next week, we will have our annual meeting.
- Durant la semaine à venir, nous finaliserons le projet.During the upcoming week, we will finalize the project.
- J'ai un rendez-vous chez le dentiste la semaine qui vient.I have a dentist appointment next week.
- Je serai en vacances la semaine suivante.I'll be on vacation the following week.
- Je serai absent la semaine prochaine.I will be absent next week.
- Les cours commencent la semaine qui vient.Classes start next week.
- Nous devons finaliser ce projet la semaine à venir.We need to finalize this project next week.
- La réunion annuelle est prévue pour la semaine prochaine.The annual meeting is scheduled for next week.
- 211 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Chloé and Nathan are discussing their work schedules at a cafe.
- ChloéTu es libre la semaine prochaine ?Are you free next week?
- NathanNon, je travaille beaucoup la semaine prochaine.No, I am working a lot next week.
- ChloéDommage, je voulais t'inviter à dîner.That's a shame, I wanted to invite you to dinner.
- NathanPeut-être la semaine suivante alors !Maybe the following week then!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “next week” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries la, semaine, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
