French Phrase
C'est le cinq novembre.
Meaning
This phrase is the standard way to state the date in French. It uses the present tense of the verb 'être' (to be) combined with the demonstrative pronoun 'ce'. In French, dates are almost always preceded by the definite article 'le' and use cardinal numbers rather than ordinal ones.
When to use
Use this phrase to answer the question 'Quelle est la date aujourd'hui ?' or to identify a specific day in a conversation. It is suitable for both casual and professional environments.
✦Grammar Breakdown
C'estlecinqnovembre
C'est
A contraction of 'ce' (it/this) and 'est' (is), used to identify things or states.
Le + Number
In French, the definite article 'le' must precede the number when stating the day of the month.
Cardinal Numbers
Unlike English 'fifth', French uses the standard number 'cinq' for all days except the 1st.
🗨In Conversation
Quelle est la date aujourd'hui ?
What is the date today?
C'est le cinq novembre.
It is November fifth.
✕Common Mistakes
C'est cinq novembre.
Always include the definite article 'le' before the number when stating a date.
C'est le cinquième novembre.
French uses cardinal numbers (cinq) for dates, except for the first of the month (le premier).
↔Alternatives
Nous sommes le cinq novembre.
Today is November fifth (Formal).
On est le cinq novembre.
It's November fifth (Informal).
Cultural Tip
In French-speaking countries, dates are written in the Day/Month/Year format (05/11). While November 5th is famous in the UK as Guy Fawkes Night, in France it is a regular day, often falling during the Toussaint school holidays.