French Phrase
Noël, c'est quel jour ?
Meaning
This is a common way to ask for the specific date or day of the week that Christmas falls on. The structure uses 'c'est' to link the subject to the question, which is very typical in spoken French. It is more natural than using a formal inversion in everyday speech.
When to use
Use this phrase in casual conversations when you are planning holiday events or simply can't remember the date. It is appropriate for friends, family, and colleagues.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Noël,c'estqueljour?
C'est
A contraction of 'ce' and 'est', used here to identify the time or event in a casual way.
Quel
An interrogative adjective meaning 'which' or 'what', it must agree with the masculine noun 'jour'.
🗨In Conversation
Noël, c'est quel jour ?
What day is Christmas?
C'est un mercredi cette année.
It is a Wednesday this year.
✕Common Mistakes
Noël, c'est quoi jour ?
Use 'quel' instead of 'quoi' when modifying a noun like 'jour'.
Noël est quel jour ?
While technically correct, using 'c'est' is much more idiomatic in spoken French for this type of question.
↔Alternatives
C'est quand, Noël ?
When is Christmas?
Noël tombe quel jour cette année ?
What day does Christmas fall on this year?
Quelle est la date de Noël ?
What is the date of Christmas?
Cultural Tip
In France, the date of Christmas is fixed on December 25th, but people often ask this to find out which day of the week it falls on. This helps them plan for 'le pont' (the bridge), which is an extra day off taken when a holiday falls near a weekend.