un jour
/œ̃ ʒuʁ/
The English phrase "someday" is translated into French as un jour.
The phrase is used to refer to an unspecified time in the future, much like the English adverb "someday".
Meaning: sometime, at some time in the future (adv)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase un jour literally translates to "one day", consisting of an indefinite article and a noun.
Which one should you use?
While un jour is used for the indefinite concept of "someday", the phrase un certain jour would imply a specific, though unnamed, day.
How does it change in a sentence?
Unlike English, where "someday" is a single word, the French equivalent is a noun phrase consisting of an indefinite article and a noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/œ̃ ʒuʁ/
Did you know?
- If a French speaker says au jour le jour, they are not talking about 'someday' but are describing a lifestyle of taking things one day at a time without planning.
- The word jour is a linguistic relative of the English word 'diurnal', which describes animals that are active during the day.
- The phrase un jour can be used ironically to express a lack of belief that something will ever actually happen, acting as a polite way to dismiss a dream.
Examples in context
- Revenons ici un jour.Let's come back here someday.This sentence shows how to use un jour to express a wish to return to a place.Tatoeba #5179081 by bodomdeneige, translation #5178636 by CK
- Vous l'aurez un jour.You'll get it someday.This sentence demonstrates using un jour to express that someone will possess something in the future.Tatoeba #11469811 by Aiji, translation #241709 by CK
- On se reverra un jour.We'll see each other again someday.This sentence illustrates using un jour to talk about seeing someone again in the future.Tatoeba #3570845 by sacredceltic, translation #3564346 by _undertoad
- Nous pourrions collaborer sur ce projet un jour.We could collaborate on this project someday.
- Je prévois de voyager à l'étranger à l'avenir.I plan to travel abroad someday.
- On devrait aller faire du camping un de ces jours.We should go camping someday.
- J'aimerais devenir écrivain, peut-être un jour.I would like to become a writer, maybe someday.
- 103 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Chloé and Hugo are discussing their future travel dreams.
- ChloéJe veux visiter le Japon un jour.I want to visit Japan someday.
- HugoC'est une excellente idée, Chloé !That is an excellent idea, Chloé!
- ChloéOn pourrait y aller ensemble un jour.We could go there together someday.
- HugoJe suis d'accord, ce serait génial.I agree, that would be great.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “someday” translations and entries un jour, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries jour, un, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
