les jours de semaine
The English phrase "the weekdays" is translated into French as les jours de semaine.
This phrase refers specifically to the days of the week from Monday to Friday, excluding the weekend.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of les (the), jours (days), de (of) and semaine (week).
Which one should you use?
In French, les jours de semaine is the direct conceptual opposite of le week-end.
How does it change in a sentence?
To refer to a single weekday, use the singular form un jour de semaine.
Did you know?
- In French, the names of les jours de semaine are almost all derived from the planets and celestial bodies, such as lundi for the Moon and mardi for Mars.
- While le week-end is common in France, in Quebec, people often use the term la fin de semaine to describe the days that are not les jours de semaine.
- French does not capitalize the days of the week, so lundi or mardi start with a lowercase letter unless they begin a sentence.
Examples in context
- Il préfère les jours de semaine pour faire les courses.He prefers the weekdays to do the shopping.
Example conversation
Gabriel and Emma are discussing their schedules.
- GabrielQuand es-tu libre, Emma ?When are you free, Emma?
- EmmaJe suis libre les jours de semaine.I am free on the weekdays.
- GabrielC'est parfait pour moi aussi.That is perfect for me too.
- EmmaOn fixe un rendez-vous alors.Let's set an appointment then.
