Spring is soon to arrive, which means it’s the ideal moment to start new learning routines. And what better way to improve your French than by studying the vocabulary of spring itself?
In Canada, the return of spring is a shift of the season from winter’s dark, cool days to light and much warmer temperatures. Spring is a period of renewal and newness. Nature is prettier, the birds sing, and the scent of the air is fresh. People are discussing all types of flowers, fruits and vegetables that have begun to emerge, as well as what they intend to do during the six public holidays over this period.
Below is some key French spring vocabulary to speak:
Le temps — Weather
| FRENCH | ENGLISH | FRENCH | ENGLISH |
| le soleil | sun | verdure | greenery |
| L’arc-en-ciel | rainbow | vent léger | light wind |
| la pluie | rain | épanouissement | blossoming |
| chaud(e) | warm | sérénité | serenity |
| couleur vive | bright color | équilibre | balance |
| ciel bleu | blue sky | renouveau | renewal |
| doux | soft | douceur | sweetness |
| l’oiseau | bird | l’papillon | butterfly |
Les légumes — Vegetables
| FRENCH | ENGLISH |
| la laitue | lettuce |
| L’oignon nouveau | spring onion |
| le chou frisé | kale |
| les épinards | spinach |
| L’aubergine | aubergine |
Les dates — Dates
| FRENCH | ENGLISH | FRENCH | ENGLISH |
| le printemps | spring | L’Ascension | Ascension Day |
| Pâques | Easter | L’heure d’été | Daylight savings time |
| le lundi de Pâques | Easter Monday | la fête des Mères | Mother’s Day (last Sunday in May) |
| la fête du Travail | Labour Day | la fête des Pères | Father’s Day (third Sunday in June) |
| Victoire de 1945 (8 mai) | Victory Day | le lundi de Pentecôte/la Pentecôte | Whit Monday |
Les fleurs — Flowers
| FRENCH | ENGLISH | FRENCH | ENGLISH |
| la marguerite | daisy | la primevère | primrose |
| le muguet | lily of the valley | la jonquille | daffodil |
| la tulipe | tulip | le myosotis | forget-me-not |
| la pensée | pansy | bourgeon | bud |
| la jacinthe | hyacinth | cueillette | picking (flowers, fruits) |
Les activités — Activities
| FRENCH | ENGLISH |
| faire une promenade | to go for a walk |
| faire une balade à vélo | to go for a bike ride |
| faire du jardinage | to do some gardening |
This spring, refresh your French vocabulary and enjoy the beauty of the season with these essential words!