French Conversation · Level 68
60 words
French word
congé
Pronunciation
IPA/kɔ̃ʒe/
Meaning
- masculine nountime off
Example
Tu veux prendre un congé lundi ?
Do you want to take Monday off?
More examples
Elle est en congé maternité depuis trois mois.
She has been on maternity leave for three months.
Core concept
A sanctioned pause or departure from an institution, ranging from approved absence to release from a job.
Common phrases
être en congé
be on leave
congé maternité
maternity leave
congé parental
parental leave
Similar words
vacances: A period of several days or more away from work or school.
repos: A short break or rest for the body or mind.
absence: The state of not being present at a place or job.
permission: Permission to go out or be absent briefly.
Definition in French
Désigne l'autorisation officielle de s'absenter ou la période de repos accordée par un employeur ou une institution, et, selon le contexte, l'acte de mettre fin à l'emploi d'une personne.
Word origin
French congé descends from Old French congié and Latin commeatus, a term for leave or permission, with later French usage extending it to dismissal.
Usage tips
- The common phrase prendre un congé uses prendre rather than the English-like take congé, and the article is usually un: prendre un congé.