printemps
/pʁɛ̃.tɑ̃/
printemps is the French word for spring.
printemps refers to the season of the year between winter and summer. In formal or written contexts, you may see La saison du printemps used to place specific emphasis on the seasonal aspect or the term Le renouveau used metaphorically to represent spring as a period of renewal.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun printemps is masculine. When you want to say "in spring," use the contraction au printemps (which is a combination of à and le).
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables: /pʁɛ̃.tɑ̃/.
Did you know?
- The word printemps is a literal remnant of the Latin phrase 'primum tempus', which means 'first time'.
- While English uses 'spring' to describe both the season and a coiled piece of metal, printemps refers only to the season. A metal spring is called un ressort.
- In historical French contexts, the start of printemps was often tied to the feast of the Annunciation on March 25 rather than the astronomical equinox.
Examples in context
- La saison du printemps apporte un renouveau.The spring season brings renewal.
- Le renouveau de la nature est évident au printemps.The rejuvenation of nature is evident in spring.
- Chaque année, le printemps apporte avec lui la renaissance de la nature.Every year, spring brings the rebirth of nature.
- Je suis tellement heureux que le printemps soit enfin là! On peut enfin profiter des rayons de soleil!I'm so happy that spring is finally here! We can finally enjoy the rays of sunshine!
- Le printemps arrive.Spring is arriving.
- Le printemps arrive bientôt.Spring is coming soon.
- J'aime beaucoup le printemps.I like spring very much.
- Les fleurs s'ouvrent au printemps.The flowers open in spring.
Example conversation
Gabriel and Léa are walking in a park.
- GabrielQuel beau temps pour le printemps !What beautiful weather for spring!
- LéaOui, Gabriel, c'est magnifique.Yes, Gabriel, it is magnificent.
- GabrielTu aimes aussi cette saison ?Do you like this season too?
- LéaAbsolument, je préfère le printemps à l'hiver.Absolutely, I prefer spring to winter.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry printemps, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries printemps, CC BY-SA 4.0.
