aujourd'hui c'est
The English phrase "today is" is translated into French as aujourd'hui c'est.
This phrase is used to introduce the current date, the day of the week or a specific event happening today. For example, you might use it to say Aujourd'hui c'est lundi (Today is Monday) or to identify a specific holiday.
Which one should you use?
While aujourd'hui est is grammatically possible, aujourd'hui c'est is the much more natural and common way to introduce the date or a specific day in spoken French.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase aujourd'hui c'est, the c'est (it is) is used as a dummy subject to introduce the date or event, rather than using a direct subject-verb construction.
Did you know?
- In formal writing, French authors often omit the c'est and use the phrase nous sommes (we are) to state the date.
- Because aujourd'hui is a 'univerbation', it is treated as a single word despite being a fusion of au, jour, de and hui.
- The apostrophe in aujourd'hui marks the disappearance of a letter from the Middle French word auiourd'huy.
Examples in context
- Aujourd'hui c'est pour moi.Today is my treat.This sentence shows how to use aujourd'hui c'est to indicate whose turn it is.Tatoeba #473956 by sacredceltic, translation #470017 by CM
- Aujourd'hui c'est la Saint-Valentin.Today is Valentine's Day.This sentence uses aujourd'hui c'est to identify a specific holiday.Tatoeba #1083650 by Aiji, translation #1083652 by CM
- Aujourd'hui c'est notre jour de congé.Today is our day off.This sentence uses aujourd'hui c'est to state that it is a day off.Tatoeba #1986985 by Amastan, translation #10855021 by Taikian
- Aujourd'hui c'est un grand jour!Today is a big day!
- Quel jour sommes-nous?What day is it today?
- Aujourd'hui c'est samedi.Today is Saturday.
- 15 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Manon and Lucas are checking the calendar at home.
- ManonAujourd'hui c'est lundi ?Is today Monday?
- LucasNon, aujourd'hui c'est mardi.No, today is Tuesday.
- ManonAh, j'ai oublié la date.Ah, I forgot the date.
- LucasPas de problème, Manon.No problem, Manon.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries aujourd'hui, c'est, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
