French Phrase
Ce mois de mai est beaucoup plus froid que d'habitude.
Meaning
This phrase literally translates to "This month of May is much colder than usual." It's used to express surprise or observation about the current weather conditions in May, noting that they are significantly cooler than what is typically expected for this time of year. The emphasis is on the deviation from the norm.
When to use
Use this phrase when you want to comment on the weather in May, specifically when it's unexpectedly cold. It's perfect for casual conversations with friends, family, or colleagues about current conditions, especially if you're feeling the chill and want to express your observation.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Ce mois de maiestbeaucoup plus froidqued'habitude
Ce mois de mai
'Ce' is a demonstrative adjective meaning 'this'. 'Mois' (month) is masculine, so it takes 'ce'. 'De mai' specifies which month, forming a common noun phrase.
Est (être)
'Est' is the third-person singular form of the verb 'être' (to be). It's used here to describe the state or condition of 'ce mois de mai'.
Beaucoup plus... que
This structure is used for emphatic comparisons. 'Beaucoup' (much/a lot) intensifies 'plus' (more), meaning 'much more'. It's followed by the adjective ('froid' - cold) and then 'que' (than).
D'habitude
This idiomatic expression means 'as usual' or 'than usual'. It's a fixed phrase often used for comparison with typical or customary situations.
🗨In Conversation
Tu as vu le temps? Ce mois de mai est beaucoup plus froid que d'habitude.
Have you seen the weather? This month of May is much colder than usual.
Oui, c'est vrai! J'espérais déjà pouvoir sortir mes vêtements d'été.
Yes, it's true! I was already hoping to be able to wear my summer clothes.
✕Common Mistakes
Ce mois de mai est plus froid que normal.
While 'normal' is understandable, 'd'habitude' (as usual) is the more natural and idiomatic way to express 'than usual' in French when comparing to a typical state or habit.
Ce mois de mai est beaucoup froid plus que d'habitude.
The intensifier 'beaucoup' (much) always precedes the comparative structure 'plus... que' (more... than). It should be 'beaucoup plus froid que'.
↔Alternatives
Il fait plus froid que d'habitude ce mois de mai.
It's colder than usual this May.
Le mois de mai est exceptionnellement frais cette année.
May is exceptionally cool this year.
Quel froid pour un mois de mai!
What cold for a month of May!
Cultural Tip
Talking about the weather is a very common and safe topic for small talk in France, much like in many other cultures. French people often use weather observations to initiate conversations or fill silences. Expressing surprise or mild complaint about unseasonable weather, especially cold in May, is a relatable way to connect with others. It's generally considered polite and a good ice-breaker.