vacances d'été
The English phrase "summer holiday" is vacances d'été in French.
The phrase refers to a period of time off from school or work during the summer months.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of vacances (holidays/vacation) and d'été (of summer).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Canada, the phrase vacances d'été is widely used.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word vacances is always plural in French when referring to a period of time off.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use the singular la vacance to mean a holiday. In French, la vacance actually refers to a vacancy, such as an empty job position.
Did you know?
- The word vacances comes from the Latin 'vacare', meaning 'to be empty'. Originally, it described the 'emptiness' of a position or a place rather than the act of traveling.
- In France, the traditional peak of the vacances d'été occurs during the 'juillet-août' period, and it is common for entire shops or small businesses to close for several weeks.
- In many parts of France, the term les grandes vacances is used to describe the long summer break, suggesting they are the 'great' holidays that stand above all others.
Examples in context
- C'est la haute saison des vacances d'été.It's the peak of the summer holiday season.This sentence is useful for describing the peak of the vacances d'été season.Tatoeba #10066538 by lbdx, translation #4317863 by Hybrid
- Je m'en vais pour les vacances d'été.I'm going away for the summer holiday.This sentence is useful for saying that you are going away for the vacances d'été.Tatoeba #1170526 by rene1596, translation #24322 by CK
- Comment dit-on 'summer holiday' en français?How do you say 'summer holiday' in French?
- Je voudrais parler des vacances d'été.I would like to talk about summer holidays
- Est-ce que vous avez des recommandations pour les vacances d'été?Do you have any recommendations for summer holidays?
- Tu sais quoi? Les vacances d'été arrivent!You know what? Summer holidays are coming!
- Je compte bien profiter des vacances d'été!I plan to make the most of the summer holidays!
- Où vas-tu pour les vacances d'été ?Where are you going for the summer holidays?
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about their upcoming plans.
- LucasTu as prévu quelque chose pour les vacances d'été ?Have you planned anything for the summer holidays?
- LéaOui, je pars à la mer avec ma famille.Yes, I am going to the seaside with my family.
- LucasC'est super, profite bien de ton voyage !That's great, enjoy your trip!
- LéaMerci, Lucas, toi aussi !Thanks, Lucas, you too!
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
