French Phrase
On est quel jour aujourd'hui ?
Meaning
This question asks for the current day of the week. It is informal and very common in spoken French, especially among friends, classmates, or coworkers.
When to use
Use it when you’ve lost track of the calendar, when you’re chatting casually, or when you need to confirm the day before making plans. It’s perfect for everyday situations like school, the office, or a coffee break.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Onestqueljouraujourd'hui?
On (indefinite pronoun)
In everyday French, 'on' often replaces 'nous' (we) and can also mean 'one' or 'people in general'.
Est (être, present)
The third‑person singular present of 'être' used here because 'on' takes the singular verb form.
Quel (interrogative adjective)
Matches the gender and number of the noun it modifies; here it agrees with the masculine singular 'jour'.
Jour (noun)
Means 'day' (as in day of the week).
Aujourd'hui (adverb)
Literally 'today', formed from 'au' + 'jour' + 'd'' + 'hui' (the day).
🗨In Conversation
On est quel jour aujourd'hui ?
What day is it today?
C’est mardi.
It’s Tuesday.
✕Common Mistakes
Nous sommes quel jour ?
The verb should agree with the pronoun; the correct order is 'Quel jour sommes‑nous ?' not 'Nous sommes quel jour ?'.
Quel jour est aujourd'hui ?
Missing the copular verb 'c’est' or the pronoun 'on' makes the sentence sound incomplete.
Il est quel jour ?
While understandable, native speakers prefer 'On est quel jour aujourd'hui ?' in casual speech.
↔Alternatives
Quel jour sommes‑nous aujourd'hui ?
What day are we today?
Quel jour est‑ce aujourd'hui ?
What day is it today?
C’est quel jour aujourd'hui ?
What day is it today?
Cultural Tip
In French, the construction 'On est …' is the go‑to way to ask for the date or the day in informal speech. In more formal contexts (e.g., a presentation or a written report) you’ll hear 'Quel jour sommes‑nous ?' or 'Quel jour est‑ce aujourd'hui ?'. Also, note that in some regions of France people may say 'Il est quel jour ?' – it’s understood but slightly less idiomatic than the 'on' version.