journée ensoleillée
The English phrase "sunny day" is translated into French as journée ensoleillée.
Which one should you use?
While journée ensoleillée refers to the duration and experience of a sunny day, the word jour is used for counting days or referring to a specific date.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase is feminine. If you use an adjective like "beautiful", you must use the feminine form belle (une belle journée ensoleillée).
Did you know?
- In many parts of France, instead of saying it is a 'sunny day', people simply say il fait beau, which literally translates to 'it makes beautiful'.
- The term journée derives from the Vulgar Latin word *diurnāta, which referred to the work done in a single day.
- While English speakers might say 'what a sunny day', a French speaker often uses the exclamation Quel soleil ! meaning 'What sun!', to express the same feeling.
Examples in context
- Ce fut une journée ensoleillée.It was a sunny day.Tatoeba #6580922 by GB3, translation #6580910 by Hybrid
- C’était une belle journée ensoleillée.It was a fine sunny day.Tatoeba #2445366 by gillux, translation #2439920 by Hybrid
- J'ai passé une journée radieuse à la plage.I had a radiant day at the beach.
- Nous espérons une journée ensoleillée pour le pique-nique.We are hoping for a sunny day for the picnic.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hugo and Léa are planning their weekend outing.
- HugoLéa, regardons la météo pour samedi.Léa, let's look at the weather for Saturday.
- LéaOn aura une journée ensoleillée, c'est super !We will have a sunny day, that's great!
- HugoParfait, nous pouvons faire une randonnée.Perfect, we can go for a hike.
- LéaJe suis d'accord, Hugo.I agree, Hugo.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries journée, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
