French Phrase
Enfin du soleil !
Meaning
This phrase literally translates to "Finally of the sun!" but is understood as "Finally some sun!" or "Sun at last!". It expresses relief and joy at the appearance of sunshine, especially after a period of bad weather. It's a very common and idiomatic expression.
When to use
Use this phrase when the sun appears after a cloudy, rainy, or generally gloomy period. It's perfect for expressing a collective sigh of relief or personal happiness about improved weather. You can say it to friends, family, or even to yourself.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Enfindusoleil
Enfin (Adverb)
'Enfin' is an adverb meaning 'finally' or 'at last.' It expresses relief, impatience, or the culmination of a process. In this context, it conveys relief and joy.
Du (Partitive Article)
'Du' is a partitive article, meaning 'some' or 'any' for masculine singular nouns. It's used here because 'soleil' (sun) is treated as an uncountable quantity of sunshine, rather than a specific sun.
Soleil (Noun)
'Soleil' is a masculine noun meaning 'sun.' It's a common word used in many weather-related expressions in French, often appearing with articles like 'le' or 'du'.
🗨In Conversation
Il a plu toute la semaine, je suis fatigué de la pluie.
It rained all week, I'm tired of the rain.
Regarde ! Enfin du soleil !
Look! Finally some sun!
✕Common Mistakes
Finalement du soleil!
While 'finalement' means 'finally,' it's used for 'in the end' or 'after all,' not for expressing relief or impatience like 'enfin'.
Enfin le soleil!
The partitive article 'du' (some) is more natural here to refer to sunshine in general, rather than the definite article 'le' (the).
↔Alternatives
Quel beau temps !
What beautiful weather!
Le soleil est de retour !
The sun is back!
Il fait beau !
The weather is nice!
Cultural Tip
The French, like many Europeans, often have a strong appreciation for good weather, especially sunshine, after long winters or rainy periods. This phrase is a common and enthusiastic way to acknowledge and celebrate its arrival. It's a small talk staple and a genuine expression of collective mood improvement.