French Phrase
C'est quand le prochain jour férié ?
Meaning
This phrase is a direct way to ask for the date of the upcoming national or religious holiday. It uses 'C'est quand' (When is) followed by 'le prochain jour férié' (the next public holiday), which specifically refers to days when businesses and schools are typically closed.
When to use
This is most commonly used in workplace settings or among friends when planning time off or checking if services will be available. It is a very frequent question in France, especially during the spring months.
✦Grammar Breakdown
C'estquandleprochainjourférié?
C'est quand
An idiomatic and common way to start a question about time in spoken French, literally 'It is when'.
Prochain
An adjective meaning 'next'. When used with time expressions like 'jour' or 'semaine', it usually precedes the noun.
Jour férié
A compound noun where 'férié' acts as an adjective modifying 'jour'. It specifically denotes a day of rest mandated by law or tradition.
🗨In Conversation
Je suis vraiment fatigué en ce moment.
I am really tired at the moment.
Moi aussi. C'est quand le prochain jour férié ?
Me too. When is the next public holiday?
✕Common Mistakes
Quand est le prochain jour de vacances ?
'Jour de vacances' refers to personal vacation days, while 'jour férié' refers to official national holidays.
C'est quand le prochain férié jour ?
In French, the adjective 'férié' must follow the noun 'jour'.
↔Alternatives
Quel est le prochain jour férié ?
What is the next public holiday?
C'est quand le prochain pont ?
When is the next long weekend (bridge)?
Cultural Tip
France has 11 official public holidays. A unique cultural aspect is 'faire le pont' (making the bridge), where if a holiday falls on a Tuesday or Thursday, people often take the Monday or Friday off to create a four-day weekend.