French Phrase
On est le premier mai.
Meaning
This phrase is the standard way to state that today's date is May 1st in spoken French. It uses the pronoun 'on' followed by the verb 'être' (to be) to indicate the current day of the calendar.
When to use
Use this phrase in daily conversation when someone asks for the date or when announcing a holiday. It is the natural, informal way to specify the date in a social setting.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Onestlepremiermai
On est
Literally 'one is' or 'we are', this construction is the most common way to state the date in conversational French rather than the formal 'Nous sommes'.
Premier
French uses ordinal numbers only for the first day of the month; all other days use standard cardinal numbers like 'deux' or 'trois'.
🗨In Conversation
Quelle est la date aujourd'hui ?
What is the date today?
On est le premier mai.
It is May 1st.
✕Common Mistakes
On est le un mai.
In French, the first day of the month must always use the ordinal number 'premier' instead of the cardinal number 'un'.
↔Alternatives
Nous sommes le premier mai.
We are the first of May (formal).
C'est le premier mai.
It is the first of May.
Cultural Tip
May 1st is a major public holiday in France known as 'La Fête du Travail' (Labor Day). It is a cherished tradition to give 'muguet' (Lily of the Valley) to loved ones as a symbol of springtime and good luck.