What does it mean word for word?
The word is derived from soleil (sun) with the prefix en- and the suffix -é, literally meaning 'exposed to the sun'.
Which one should you use?
While ensoleillé is an adjective used to describe a noun, such as un temps ensoleillé, French speakers more commonly use the phrase il y a du soleil to state that it is currently sunny.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Québec, one can say Il fait soleil aujourd'hui to express that it is sunny.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. Use ensoleillée when describing a feminine noun like journée. Use the masculine plural form ensoleillés if it modifies a plural masculine noun like temps. Use the feminine plural form ensoleillées if it modifies a plural feminine noun like journées.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ɑ̃.sɔ.lɛ.je/. It has 4 syllables.
Did you know?
- While ensoleillé is the direct adjective, a French speaker might say il fait un soleil de plomb to describe a sunny day that is oppressively hot and heavy.
- In traditional French rural culture, a soleil could also refer to a specific type of circular architectural window or a decorative ornament.
- The phrase ensoleillé is used in the term côte ensoleillée to describe the side of a mountain that faces the sun, which is crucial for vineyard placement.
Examples in context
- Le temps est ensoleillé.The weather is sunny.This sentence is useful for describing the weather with ensoleillé.Tatoeba #8714286 by Aiji, translation #1766694 by AlanF_US
- C'est un jour ensoleillé.It's a sunny day.This sentence is useful for describing a sunny day with ensoleillé.Tatoeba #129477 by Sbgodin, translation #278889 by CK
- Le temps était ensoleillé hier.It was sunny yesterday.This sentence is useful for describing yesterday's weather with ensoleillé.Tatoeba #5419797 by Aiji, translation #2628663 by CK
- Il fait un temps ensoleillé aujourd'hui.It is sunny today.
- Le soleil est rayonnant aujourd'hui.The sun is radiant today.
- 24 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hugo and Emma are planning a walk in the park.
- HugoEst-ce que le temps sera ensoleillé demain ?Will the weather be sunny tomorrow?
- EmmaOui, la météo annonce un temps ensoleillé.Yes, the forecast predicts sunny weather.
- HugoParfait, nous irons marcher au parc.Perfect, we will go walking in the park.
- EmmaC'est une excellente idée, Hugo.That is an excellent idea, Hugo.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sunny” translations and entries ensoleillé, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
