French Phrase
On est le 3 juillet.
Meaning
This phrase is the most common way to state the current date in spoken French. It uses the pronoun 'on' with the verb 'être' to create an impersonal expression similar to 'It is' in English.
When to use
Use this phrase in casual conversation when someone asks for the date or when you need to confirm what day it is. It is the standard informal alternative to the more rigid 'Nous sommes'.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Onestle3juillet
On est
The pronoun 'on' followed by 'être' is the standard way to express 'we are' or 'it is' for dates in casual French.
Le + Number
Always use the masculine singular article 'le' before the number of the day, regardless of the month.
🗨In Conversation
On est quel jour aujourd'hui ?
What day is it today?
On est le 3 juillet.
It is July 3rd.
✕Common Mistakes
On est le 3 de juillet.
Unlike English 'of July', French does not use a preposition between the number and the month.
On est 3 juillet.
You must always include the definite article 'le' before the number in a date.
↔Alternatives
Nous sommes le 3 juillet.
We are the 3rd of July (Formal).
C'est le 3 juillet.
It's July 3rd.
Cultural Tip
In France, dates always follow the Day-Month-Year order. While July 3rd is a normal day, it marks the beginning of the 'grand départ' season where many French citizens begin their summer holidays ahead of the national holiday on July 14th.