deux semaines
The English phrase "two weeks" is translated into French as deux semaines.
deux semaines is used to denote a period of time lasting fourteen consecutive days.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of deux (two) and semaines (weeks).
Which one should you use?
While deux semaines is the literal way to say two weeks, the noun quinzaine is often used to refer to a period of approximately fifteen days or a fortnight.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun semaine is in the plural form to agree with the number deux.
Did you know?
- In French, une quinzaine can be used to describe any group of roughly fifteen items, not just days. You might hear a speaker describe 'about fifteen people' as une quinzaine de personnes.
- The word semaine comes from the Latin septimana, which is derived from septem meaning 'seven'. This reflects the ancient Roman influence on the seven day week structure in France.
- In certain French administrative or historical contexts, a period of two weeks might be referred to as a 'quatorzaine', though this is much rarer than quinzaine.
Examples in context
- À dans deux semaines.See you in two weeks.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use deux semaines when talking about a future meeting.Tatoeba #7448859 by Aiji, translation #2394537 by fenfang557
- Ça a mis deux semaines.It took two weeks.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use deux semaines to describe a duration of time that has passed.Tatoeba #3273042 by Aiji, translation #3273041 by CN
- Dans environ deux semaines.In about two weeks.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use deux semaines when expressing an approximate timeframe.Tatoeba #334952 by Barbiche0, translation #64829 by TRANG
- Je vais en vacances dans deux semaines.I'm going on vacation in two weeks.
- J'ai besoin de terminer ce projet dans quinze jours pleins.I need to finish this project in two full weeks.
- 57 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Léa are discussing a vacation plan.
- LucasTu pars en vacances quand ?When are you going on vacation?
- LéaJe pars dans deux semaines.I am leaving in two weeks.
- LucasTu restes combien de temps ?How long are you staying?
- LéaJe pars pour deux semaines.I am going for two weeks.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
