en vacances
The English phrase "on vacation" is translated into French as en vacances.
The phrase en vacances is used to describe the state of being on a break from work or school for leisure or travel.
Which one should you use?
While en vacances describes the state of being on vacation, the noun phrase les vacances is used to refer to the vacation period itself.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, the term être en congé is commonly used to mean being on vacation.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase en vacances is always plural in French, even when you are referring to a single person's vacation.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly try to use a singular form like en vacance, but the phrase must always be plural as en vacances.
Did you know?
- The French state of being en vacances is often linked to the pont, or 'bridge', where workers take a Friday or Monday off to create a long weekend when a public holiday falls mid-week.
- The word vacances shares a root with the English word 'vacant'. It originally described the 'emptiness' or 'vacancy' of a period when the courts or schools were not in session.
- In France, the right to les congés payés or paid leave is a cherished national right established by law in 1936, making the concept of being en vacances a legal entitlement for all workers.
Examples in context
- Je suis en vacances.I'm on vacation.This sentence is useful for stating that you are currently on vacation using en vacances.Tatoeba #6538 by TRANG, translation #257499 by CK
- Elle est en vacances.She's away on vacation.This sentence is useful for stating that she is away on vacation using en vacances.Tatoeba #4676988 by thowas, translation #1737346 by Spamster
- Êtes-vous en vacances ?Are you on vacation?This sentence is useful for asking if someone is on vacation using en vacances.Tatoeba #3430481 by sacredceltic, translation #3818811 by CK
- Je suis en vacances à Paris.I am on vacation in Paris.
- Je profite de mes congés pour voyager.I am taking advantage of my vacation to travel.
- Je suis en congé cette semaine.I am on vacation this week.
- 62 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hugo and Chloé are talking at a cafe about summer plans.
- HugoTu es en vacances quand, Chloé ?When are you on vacation, Chloé?
- ChloéJe suis en vacances en juillet.I am on vacation in July.
- HugoAh bon ? Et moi, je pars en août.Really? And I am leaving in August.
- ChloéC'est super, Hugo !That is great, Hugo!
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
