French word

vacances

Pronunciation

IPA/vakɑ̃s/

Meaning

  • feminine nountime off

Example

Nous avons des vacances la semaine prochaine.

We have time off next week.

Illustration for vacances (time off)

More examples

Il est en vacances cette semaine.

He is on holiday this week.

Core concept

A block of open time for rest, leisure, and a break from regular duties.

Common phrases

  • être en vacances

    be on holiday

  • organiser des vacances

    organize a holiday

  • les vacances scolaires

    school holidays

Similar words

congé: A formal period of leave from work granted by an employer.
pause: A short interruption of work or another activity.
repos: Rest taken to recover from physical or mental fatigue.
jour férié: A legally or traditionally designated public holiday when work or school usually closes.

Definition in French

Temps consacré au repos ou aux loisirs pendant lequel on est exempté de ses occupations habituelles.

Word origin

French vacances developed from Old French vacance, ultimately from Latin vacare, meaning to be free or unoccupied.

Usage tips

  • Vacances is normally plural when referring to a holiday period, even when it means one continuous break.

Opposites

Related words

  • vacancierholidaymakernoun

Word lists with this word