Bonjour! If you’re learning French and want to know how to say “this month,” you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll explore the formal and informal ways of expressing “this month” in French and provide you with some valuable tips and examples along the way. Let’s dive in!
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Formal Ways of Saying “This Month”
When speaking formally, there are a few phrases you can use to express “this month” in French. These phrases are commonly used in professional settings, official correspondence, or any situation where a more polished language is required.
1. Ce mois
The most straightforward way to say “this month” is “ce mois.” This expression is neutral and widely accepted in all French-speaking regions. Here are a few examples of how to use it:
- Formal: Notre réunion aura lieu ce mois. (Our meeting will take place this month.)
- Formal: Le spectacle est prévu pour ce mois. (The show is scheduled for this month.)
2. Ce mois-ci
Another formal phrase to convey “this month” is “ce mois-ci.” In French, adding “-ci” (“this”) to a noun emphasizes the proximity or the specificity of the term. Here are a few examples:
- Formal: Les résultats seront publiés ce mois-ci. (The results will be published this month.)
- Formal: Le projet sera achevé ce mois-ci. (The project will be completed this month.)
Informal Ways of Saying “This Month”
On informal occasions or in casual conversations among friends, family, or colleagues, the French language offers a range of expressions to convey “this month.” Let’s explore some popular informal phrases:
1. Ce mois-là
“Ce mois-là” is a common way to say “this month” in conversational French. The addition of “-là” emphasizes a temporal distance or a more general reference. Here are a few examples:
- Informal: J’ai voyagé à Paris ce mois-là. (I traveled to Paris that month.)
- Informal: On s’est rencontré pour la première fois ce mois-là. (We first met that month.)
2. En ce moment
An informal and slightly more idiomatic way to express “this month” is using the phrase “en ce moment,” which translates to “right now” or “at the moment.” While not directly translating as “this month,” it is commonly used in French to refer to ongoing activities during the current month. Here are some examples:
- Informal: On a beaucoup de travail en ce moment. (We have a lot of work right now.)
- Informal: Il y a des soldes très intéressantes en ce moment. (There are very interesting sales at the moment.)
Tips and Regional Variations
When it comes to expressing “this month” in French, there aren’t significant regional variations. However, it’s important to remember that French is spoken in various countries, and there may be slight linguistic differences. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
1. Watch out for Belgian variations
In Belgian French, “ce mois” is less frequently used. Instead, Belgians tend to use “ce mois-ci” or “ce mois-là” as their go-to expressions.
2. Pay attention to québécois French
French spoken in Quebec, Canada, also has some regional variations. While “ce mois” or “ce mois-ci” are still widely used, you might also come across the word “c’mois” in informal conversations.
Tip: Although Québécois French has its own unique expressions, it’s generally understood by all French speakers worldwide. So, don’t hesitate to use it if you find yourself in Quebec or interacting with a Quebecois friend!
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve now learned several ways to say “this month” in French, both formally and informally. Remember that “ce mois” and “ce mois-ci” are the most widely used expressions across French-speaking regions, while “ce mois-là” and “en ce moment” are more commonly heard in informal conversations. Keep in mind the regional variations when interacting with native speakers from different parts of the French-speaking world.
Practice using these phrases in various contexts to familiarize yourself with their usage. With time and practice, you’ll feel more comfortable incorporating these expressions into your French conversations. Bonne chance et à bientôt!
