Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to say “this summer” in French. Whether you’re looking for a formal or informal expression, we’ve got you covered. We’ll also touch upon any regional variations if necessary. So, without further ado, let’s dive in and explore the various ways to say “this summer” in French.
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions:
If you want to use a formal expression when referring to “this summer” in French, you can choose from the following options:
- Cet été : This is the most commonly used formal expression. It literally translates to “this summer” and is suitable for any situation. For example, “Nous allons voyager cet été” means “We will travel this summer”.
- Cette saison estivale : This is a more elaborate way to express “this summer” in a formal manner. It translates to “this summer season”. For instance, you could say “Je vais passer mes vacances cette saison estivale” which means “I will spend my vacation this summer season”.
Informal Expressions:
If you prefer using a more informal expression when talking about “this summer” in French, here are some popular choices:
- Cet été-ci : By adding the suffix “-ci” to “cet été,” you create an informal expression that represents “this summer.” For example, “On se retrouve cet été-ci !” means “Let’s meet up this summer!”
- Cet été-là : Similarly, by adding the suffix “-là” to “cet été,” you form another informal expression for “this summer.” For instance, “Je vais à la plage cet été-là” translates to “I’m going to the beach this summer.”
Regional Variations:
While French is primarily spoken throughout France, there are regional variations in expressions. Here are a few:
Provence region: In Southern France, particularly in the Provence region, people often use the expression “cet été-ci” or “cet été-là” to refer to “this summer.”
However, it’s important to note that these regional variations are not widely used across all of France, and the formal and informal expressions mentioned earlier are universally understood.
Additional Tips:
Here are some additional tips and examples to help you master the usage of “this summer” in French:
- Use of verb “passer” (to spend): When referring to how you will spend your summer, you can use the verb “passer.” For instance, “Je vais passer mes vacances cet été” means “I will spend my vacation this summer.”
- Alternative expressions: Instead of explicitly using “this summer,” you can also opt for more general expressions to refer to the summer season, such as “en été” (in summer) or “pendant l’été” (during summer).
- Adjective agreement: Keep in mind that the adjectives “cet” and “cette” may change based on the gender and number of the noun they accompany. For example, “cette saison estivale” (feminine) and “ces étés” (plural) are used accordingly.
- Expressions with prefixes: To add emphasis or specify a particular time frame in relation to “this summer,” you can use expressions like “au cours de cet été” (during this summer), “dès cet été” (starting this summer), or “à la fin de cet été” (at the end of this summer).
Now armed with an understanding of how to say “this summer” in French, you can confidently navigate your French conversations and express your plans for the upcoming season. Remember, whether you choose a formal or informal expression, the French will appreciate your effort to speak their language. Bon été (Have a great summer)!
