rendez-vous romantique
The phrase 'romantic date' in French is rendez-vous romantique.
A rendez-vous romantique refers to a planned meeting between two people who are dating or interested in one another. While this phrase is perfectly understood, a more traditional and idiomatic way to describe a romantic date in French is un rendez-vous galant.
Which one should you use?
The term rendez-vous alone, as in un rendez-vous, is a neutral expression. Without the adjective romantique, it can refer to anything from a business meeting and a doctor's appointment to a casual meetup.
How does it change in a sentence?
To form the plural, rendez-vous romantiques (romantic dates), you add an 's' to the adjective romantique. The word rendez-vous remains unchanged because it already ends in 's'.
Did you know?
- In French, the word rendez-vous is not just a noun, it is actually a command in the imperative mood that literally tells people to 'present yourselves' or 'go to' a place.
- The adjective romantique traces its roots back to the Old French word 'romanz', which was used to describe stories written in the common vernacular rather than in Latin.
- The adjective galant in un rendez-vous galant evokes the high society of 18th-century French courts and the stylized art of seduction.
Examples in context
- J'ai prévu un rendez-vous romantique ce soirI have planned a romantic date tonight
- On pourrait se faire une sortie romantique au cinéma ce week-endWe could have a romantic outing to the cinema this weekend
- J'ai prévu un rendez-vous romantique ce soir.I have planned a romantic date for tonight.
- C'était un rendez-vous romantique très réussi.It was a very successful romantic date.
- Elle attend son rendez-vous romantique avec impatience.She is looking forward to her romantic date.
Example conversation
Hugo and Manon are talking about their plans for the weekend.
- HugoTu as un rendez-vous romantique demain ?Do you have a romantic date tomorrow?
- ManonOui, Hugo, je vois un homme charmant.Yes, Hugo, I am seeing a charming man.
- HugoJe suis très heureux pour toi.I am very happy for you.
- ManonMerci, c'est très gentil de ta part.Thank you, that is very kind of you.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries rendez-vous, romantique, CC BY-SA 4.0.
