Bonjour! Are you planning to express dates in French? Knowing how to say “on this date” correctly in the French language is essential for effective communication. Whether you want to converse formally or casually, this guide is here to assist you. We’ll cover various regional variations, provide helpful tips, and offer numerous examples to ensure you have a solid understanding of the topic. Let’s begin!
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Formal Ways to Say “On This Date” in French
When it comes to formal settings, such as business correspondence, academic discussions, or official documents, the French language offers multiple phrases to convey the idea of “on this date.” Here are a few commonly used options:
- À cette date : Literally meaning “on this date,” this formal phrase is simple and widely understood. For instance, you could say, “La réunion aura lieu à cette date” (The meeting will be held on this date).
- Le jour même : This formal alternative translates to “on the same day.” For example, you could say, “L’événement sera organisé le jour même” (The event will be organized on the same day).
- Le : Another formal approach is to use “le,” which means “the” in English, followed by the date. This construction is quite versatile. For instance, “Le 12 juillet” (On July 12th) or “Le 1er janvier” (On January 1st).
Informal Ways to Say “On This Date” in French
If you’re engaging in a casual conversation with friends, family, or acquaintances, here are some informal ways to express “on this date” in French:
- Ce jour-là : This informal phrase means “on that day.” For example, you could say, “On ira à la plage ce jour-là” (We’ll go to the beach on that day).
- À cette époque-là : If you want to specify a particular era or time period, you can use this phrase. For instance, “À cette époque-là, je vivais à Paris” (During that time, I was living in Paris).
- Le même jour : This informal expression means “on the same day.” For example, “On se rencontrera le même jour” (We’ll meet on the same day).
Tips for Using “On This Date” in French
Now that you’re familiar with formal and informal ways to convey “on this date,” here are a few tips to further enhance your understanding:
1. Pay Attention to Gender and Plurality
In French, remember to adapt the article (“le” or “la”) and the noun for gender agreement. For example, “Le 17 mai” (On May 17th) when referring to a masculine noun, or “La 2e décembre” (On December 2nd) when referring to a feminine noun.
2. Practice Saying Dates Out Loud
Regularly practicing saying dates aloud helps to improve your pronunciation and reinforce your memory. You can do this by using a daily calendar and stating the date each morning or discussing upcoming plans with friends.
3. Familiarize Yourself with French Decimal System
In France, dates are written in the format day/month/year. It’s essential to understand the French decimal system so you can confidently express any given date. For example, October 5th is “le 5 octobre” in French.
Examples of “On This Date” in French
Here are some additional examples to provide you with a better grasp of how to use “on this date” in French:
“L’exposition ouvrira à cette date-là” (The exhibition will open on that date).
“On se rencontrera à cette date précise” (We’ll meet on this specific date).
“Le mariage est prévu le 27 septembre” (The wedding is scheduled for September 27th).
“Je suis né le 14 juillet 1990” (I was born on July 14th, 1990).
“Mardi prochain, nous commencerons le projet” (Next Tuesday, we will start the project).
“Nous partirons en vacances ce jour-là” (We’ll leave for vacation on that day).
Conclusion
Mastering how to say “on this date” in French opens up endless possibilities for effective communication in both formal and informal scenarios. Remember to sprinkle your conversations with gender agreement, practice saying dates aloud, and familiarize yourself with the French decimal system to ensure accurate expressions. With the numerous examples provided and the tips offered, you’ll confidently express any date, creating a warm and engaging conversation. Bonne chance!
