French Phrase
Le prochain jour férié, c'est le 20 mars.
Meaning
This sentence identifies the date of the next upcoming public holiday. It uses the structure 'c'est' to equate the subject with a specific date, providing clear information about a scheduled break or celebration.
When to use
Use this phrase when discussing upcoming holidays, planning vacations, or checking the calendar with colleagues or friends. It is a factual statement suitable for both formal and informal settings.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Le prochainjour fériéc'estle 20 mars
Jour férié
This is the specific term for a statutory holiday. 'Férié' comes from the Latin 'feriae' meaning rest days.
C'est vs Est
While 'est' is grammatically possible, using 'c'est' (it is) acts as a pointer and is much more common in spoken French when identifying dates.
🗨In Conversation
Quand est-ce qu'on ne travaille pas bientôt ?
When is it that we aren't working soon?
Le prochain jour férié, c'est le 20 mars.
The next public holiday is March 20th.
✕Common Mistakes
Le prochain jour férié est en 20 mars.
In French, specific dates are preceded by the definite article 'le', not the preposition 'en'.
Le prochain jour vacance est le 20 mars.
Use 'jour férié' for public holidays; 'vacances' refers to personal time off or school breaks.
↔Alternatives
Le 20 mars est un jour férié.
March 20th is a public holiday.
On a un jour férié le 20 mars.
We have a public holiday on March 20th.
Cultural Tip
In France, public holidays are highly valued. If a holiday falls on a Tuesday or Thursday, many people 'font le pont' (make the bridge) by taking the adjacent Monday or Friday off to enjoy a four-day weekend.