Vacances d'hiver
In French, winter break is Vacances d'hiver.
Vacances d'hiver is a general term for a time off during the winter season. However, if you are specifically referring to the end-of-year school break, French speakers often use les vacances de Noël to mean the Christmas holidays.
Meaning: time off in winter (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of vacances (vacations or break) and d'hiver (of winter).
Which one should you use?
Vacances d'hiver serves as a general descriptor for any winter break, whereas les vacances de Noël is used specifically when referring to the Christmas holidays.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Les vacances de Noël is an expression used in France, Belgium and Switzerland. Les vacances d'hiver is used in most French-speaking regions, including Canada (Québec), Luxembourg and various African countries.
How does it change in a sentence?
In French, the word for vacations or break, vacances, is almost always used in its plural form.
Did you know?
- In France, les vacances d'hiver often refers to a mid-winter break in February rather than the December holidays. To manage tourism and traffic, the government divides the country into three different zones that take their breaks at different times.
- The term vacances is used in the plural because it historically refers to a state of 'emptiness' or 'void' regarding one's duties, rather than a single event.
- While vacances d'hiver is used generally, Quebecers often distinguish this period from les vacances de la relâche, a specific break that occurs in March.
Examples in context
- Je prévois de partir en voyage pendant les vacances d'hiver.I intend to go on a trip during the winter break.
- J'adore les congés de fin d'année au Québec.I love the end-of-year holidays in Québec.
- Les vacances d'hiver arrivent bientôt.Winter break is coming soon.
- Je prépare mes vacances d'hiver.I am preparing for my winter break.
- Où vas-tu pour les vacances d'hiver ?Where are you going for winter break?
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about their upcoming school holidays.
- EmmaTu as des projets pour les vacances d'hiver ?Do you have plans for winter break?
- NathanOui, je vais à la montagne avec ma famille.Yes, I am going to the mountains with my family.
- EmmaC'est génial, Nathan !That's great, Nathan!
- NathanEt toi, Emma, tu restes ici ?And you, Emma, are you staying here?
