Welcome to this guide on how to express the temperature of 15 degrees in French! Whether you’re looking to engage in casual conversation or need to use formal language, this guide will cover both scenarios, as well as provide useful tips and examples along the way. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions
When discussing temperature in a formal context, it’s important to use appropriate language. Here are a few ways to express that the temperature is 15 degrees in French:
1. La température est de quinze degrés Celsius.
This is a straightforward formal expression which translates to “The temperature is 15 degrees Celsius.” It’s commonly used in professional settings or when communicating with someone unfamiliar.
2. Il fait quinze degrés.
This slightly more colloquial expression translates to “It is 15 degrees.” While still formal, it feels a bit more conversational. If you need to engage in a professional conversation but want to sound a little less rigid, this option might suit your needs.
Informal Expressions
For everyday conversations, or when speaking with family and friends, using an informal expression to convey the temperature can add a touch of warmth and friendliness. Here are a couple of options:
1. Il fait quinze degrés aujourd’hui!
This exclamation translates to “It is 15 degrees today!” Using the word “aujourd’hui” (today) adds a personal touch to the conversation, making it more engaging and suitable for casual interactions.
2. On est à quinze degrés.
In this sentence, “On est à” means “We are at” and is commonly used informally. So, the expression translates to “We are at 15 degrees.” This phrasing is commonly heard in casual conversations among friends or family.
Tips and Examples
1. Pay attention to temperature units
In French, the Celsius scale is commonly used to express temperature. However, be mindful when using this scale in francophone countries outside of Europe, as Fahrenheit is sometimes used instead. Therefore, it’s always good practice to clarify the unit when needed, such as “degrés Celsius” (Celsius degrees) or “degrés Fahrenheit” (Fahrenheit degrees).
2. Use descriptive language
When discussing weather, it’s common to complement the temperature expression with descriptive words. Below are a few examples:
- Il fait très froid. – It is very cold.
- Il fait chaud pour la saison. – It’s hot for the season.
- Il fait frais et agréable. – It’s cool and pleasant.
3. Regional variations
French is spoken in various countries, each with its own regional variations in vocabulary and accents. While the expressions provided earlier are commonly understood throughout the francophone world, you may come across local variations or different colloquial phrases. It’s always enriching to learn and adapt to these variations when engaging in conversations with native speakers.
Example: In the Canadian province of Quebec, it’s common to use the word “cenne” instead of “degré” to describe the temperature. Therefore, in Quebec, you may hear expressions like “Il fait quinze cennes” or “On est à quinze cennes” to mean “It is 15 degrees.”
Conclusion
Congratulations! You now have a range of phrases to express the temperature of 15 degrees in French, both formally and informally. Remember to consider the context, whether speaking in a professional setting or engaging in a casual conversation with friends or family. Pay attention to temperature units, use descriptive language, and be open to regional variations to enrich your language skills. So, go ahead and confidently discuss the temperature in French!
