éclaircies
The English phrase 'partly sunny' is translated into French as éclaircies.
In French weather reports, éclaircies is the standard term used to indicate that the sun will periodically break through the clouds. It describes a sky that is mostly cloudy but has some periods of sunshine.
What does it mean word for word?
The word éclaircies comes from the verb éclaircir, meaning to brighten or to clear up, literally referring to 'brightening' or 'breaks' in cloud cover.
How does it change in a sentence?
While weather forecasts often use the plural éclaircies to describe a general state of partly sunny weather, the singular form une éclaircie can be used to refer to a single specific period of sunshine.
Did you know?
- The verb éclaircir is also used in cooking to describe the process of 'thinning' a sauce with a liquid to make it less dense.
- If you describe a person's hair as being éclairci, you are not saying it is bright, but that it has been lightened or bleached. The verb éclaircir is the standard way to discuss the lightening of hair color.
- If a French person says Il y a une éclaircie dans ma journée, they are using the weather term metaphorically to mean a moment of relief or clarity in a difficult situation.
Examples in context
- La journée sera partiellement ensoleillée, avec des éclaircies tout au long de l'après-midi.The day will be partly sunny, with clear periods throughout the afternoon.
- Les prévisions indiquent que demain sera partiellement ensoleillé avec quelques nuages disséminés.The forecast shows that tomorrow will be partly sunny with a few scattered clouds.
- Il y aura quelques éclaircies dans l'après-midi.There will be some sunny breaks in the afternoon.
- Le ciel sera nuageux avec des éclaircies.The sky will be cloudy with some sunny intervals.
- On attend des éclaircies pour demain.We are expecting some sunny spells for tomorrow.
Example conversation
Nathan and Chloé are planning a walk in the park.
- NathanQuel temps fait-il aujourd'hui, Chloé ?What is the weather like today, Chloé?
- ChloéC'est nuageux avec quelques éclaircies.It's cloudy with some sunshine.
- NathanEst-ce qu'on peut sortir ?Can we go out?
- ChloéOui, on peut aller au parc.Yes, we can go to the park.
