Bonjour! If you’re looking to learn how to say “yesterday” in French, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we will explore both formal and informal ways of expressing “yesterday” in French, along with some useful tips, examples, and even a glimpse into regional variations. So let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal ways to say “Yesterday” in French
When it comes to formal occasions or writing, you’ll want to use the standard French word for “yesterday,” which is “hier.” This is the most commonly used term when communicating in a professional or polite context.
Tips:
- Remember that the pronunciation of “hier” is similar to “yeah.” Maintain a soft, gentle sound for the “h” as you say it.
- Use “hier” in combination with proper formal French grammar to construct articulate sentences. This is important for impressing others in professional settings or while communicating with esteemed individuals.
Examples:
J’ai fini mon travail hier. (I finished my work yesterday.)
Nous avons eu une réunion importante hier matin. (We had an important meeting yesterday morning.)
Informal ways to say “Yesterday” in French
When in casual conversations, with friends, or among peers, you can employ a slightly different term for “yesterday.” The informal equivalent of “yesterday” is “hier soir.” This conveys a sense of informality and friendliness.
Tips:
- The pronunciation of “hier soir” sounds like “yeah swar,” with a softer sound for the “h.”
- “Hier soir” literally translates to “yesterday evening.” While it implies the evening, it can still be used more broadly to refer to the entire day before.
Examples:
J’ai passé une excellente soirée hier soir chez mes amis. (I had a great evening yesterday at my friends’ place.)
Hier soir, j’ai regardé un film très intéressant. (Last night, I watched a very interesting movie.)
Regional Variations
The French language is diverse, with various regional accents and vocabulary differences across different parts of France and francophone countries. While the use of “hier” and “hier soir” is generally understood everywhere, some regional variations do exist.
Tips:
- If you encounter any regional variations while speaking French, don’t be deterred. Embrace the diversity and appreciate the local flavor that comes with it.
- While it’s not necessary to use regional variations, being aware of them can be helpful, especially if you’re living or traveling to a specific area.
Examples:
Here are a few examples of regional variations:
Yesterday:
- “Hier y” – Used in some parts of southern France. For example, “J’ai vu ce film hier y” (I saw that movie yesterday).
- “Hie” – Occasionally used in parts of Belgium. For example, “Hie, j’étais en ville avec des amis” (Yesterday, I was in town with friends).
Yesterday evening / Last night:
- “Hier soir tard” – Used in some regions of Quebec, Canada. For example, “J’ai travaillé jusqu’à hier soir tard” (I worked until late last night).
- “Hier au soir” – Occasionally used in some parts of Switzerland. For example, “On a bien rigolé hier au soir” (We had a good laugh last night).
Remember, these regional variations are not universally understood, so if you encounter them, it’s best to adapt and use the standard terms “hier” or “hier soir” when in doubt.
Learning how to say “yesterday” in French is an essential step in your language journey. Whether you’re conversing casually or expressing yourself formally, using the appropriate term ensures effective communication. Now that you have a solid understanding of both the formal and informal ways to say “yesterday” in French, you can confidently express yourself in various situations. Bonne chance!
