French Phrase
C'est le soir du Nouvel An.
Meaning
The sentence states that the current time is the evening of New Year's, i.e., New Year's Eve. It is a way to set the scene for holiday plans, celebrations, or reflections on the year that is ending.
When to use
Use this phrase when you want to tell someone that it is the night of December 31st, especially when talking about holiday traditions, making plans, or describing what you are doing at that moment.
✦Grammar Breakdown
C'estlesoirduNouvelAn
C'est
Contraction of the demonstrative pronoun *ce* and the verb *être*; used to identify or describe something.
le
Definite article for masculine singular nouns.
soir
Masculine noun meaning “evening”.
du
Contraction of *de* + *le*; indicates “of the”.
Nouvel
Form of the adjective *nouveau* used before a masculine noun that begins with a vowel or mute *h*.
An
Masculine noun meaning “year”; together with *Nouvel* it forms the fixed expression *le Nouvel An* (New Year).
🗨In Conversation
C'est le soir du Nouvel An, tu as déjà choisi ton repas de réveillon ?
It's New Year's Eve, have you already chosen your dinner for the celebration?
Oui, on va préparer du foie gras et du champagne à minuit.
Yes, we're going to prepare foie gras and champagne at midnight.
✕Common Mistakes
C'est le soir du Nouvelle An.
The noun *An* is masculine; the adjective must be the masculine form *nouvel*.
C'est le soir de le Nouvel An.
When *de* is followed by the masculine article *le*, they contract to *du*.
C'est le *soi* du Nouvel An.
Pronounce *soir* as /swaʁ/, not /sɔɪ/.
↔Alternatives
C'est la veille du Nouvel An.
It's the day before New Year's.
C'est le réveillon du Nouvel An.
It's New Year's Eve (the celebration dinner).
C'est le soir du 31 décembre.
It's the evening of December 31st.
Cultural Tip
In France the evening of December 31st is commonly called *le réveillon du Nouvel An*. Families and friends gather for a festive dinner, often featuring foie gras, oysters, and champagne, and they toast at midnight. In Québec the same night is frequently referred to as *la veille du Nouvel An*. Remember that *An* is masculine, so the adjective stays in its masculine form *nouvel* (not *nouvelle*).