French word

semaine

Pronunciation

IPA/səmɛn/

Meaning

  • feminine nounweek

Example

Cette semaine, j'ai beaucoup de travail.

This week, I have a lot of work.

Illustration for semaine (week)

More examples

La semaine prochaine, je commence un nouveau travail.

Next week, I start a new job.

Core concept

One complete cycle of seven days on a calendar.

Common phrases

  • cette semaine

    this week

  • la semaine prochaine

    next week

  • toute la semaine

    all week

  • en semaine

    on weekdays

Similar words

jour: A calendar day lasting approximately twenty-four hours.
week-end: A rest or leisure period centered mainly on Saturday and Sunday.
mois: A calendar month lasting about twenty-eight to thirty-one days.
année: A twelve-month period making up one year.

Definition in French

Période composée de sept jours, généralement considérée du lundi au dimanche.

Word origin

The French noun semaine developed from Old French semaine, inherited from Latin septimana, a derivative of septem, meaning "seven."

Usage tips

  • The phrase "en semaine" usually means on weekdays, contrasted with "le week-end," rather than during an entire week.

Word lists with this word