vacances d'hiver
The English phrase "winter vacation" is translated into French as vacances d'hiver.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is literally constructed as vacations of winter.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In France and parts of Switzerland, the winter vacation is often referred to as les vacances de février.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word for vacation in French is always plural, as seen in les vacances.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use the singular la vacance to mean a holiday. However, in French, la vacance refers to a vacancy, such as an empty job position.
Did you know?
- Depending on the region, vacances d'hiver might be called la relâche in Quebec, referring to the 'release' from school pressure.
- In some French-speaking regions, vacances d'hiver are closely associated with the Carnaval, leading to local festivals that coincide with the school break.
- The French word vacances shares a root with the English word 'vacant', as both derive from the Latin 'vacare', meaning 'to be empty'.
Examples in context
- Les vacances d'hiver sont à deux pas.Winter vacation is just around the corner.This sentence is useful for noting that vacances d'hiver is approaching.Tatoeba #7060888 by Aiji, translation #2592613 by CK
- Quand commencent vos vacances d'hiver ?When does your winter vacation begin?This sentence is useful for asking when someone's vacances d'hiver begins.Tatoeba #4693740 by michelnialon, translation #4662524 by CK
- Qu'as-tu fait pendant tes vacances d'hiver ?How did you spend your winter vacation?This sentence is useful for asking what someone did during their vacances d'hiver.Tatoeba #14614 by nimfeo, translation #279653 by CK
- Tu as des projets pour les vacances d'hiver ?Do you have any plans for the winter vacation?
- T'as prévu quoi pour les vacances de Noël ?What are you planning for the Christmas holidays?
- On part où pour les vacances de février ?Where are we going for the February vacation?
- les vacances d'hiver sont formidablesWinter vacations are fantastic
- Je ne vais pas en vacances d'hiver cette annéeI'm not going on winter vacation this year
Example conversation
Léa and Hugo are discussing their upcoming holiday plans at a cafe.
- LéaTu as prévu quelque chose pour les vacances d'hiver ?Do you have any plans for the winter vacation?
- HugoOui, je pars au ski avec ma famille.Yes, I am going skiing with my family.
- LéaC'est super, j'espère que tu passeras de bonnes vacances d'hiver.That's great, I hope you have a good winter vacation.
- HugoMerci, toi aussi !Thanks, you too!
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
