A Beginner Guide to Learn Months in French with Pronunciation

How to Pronounce Months in French

The pronunciation and spelling of months in French can mislead the learner. This is because it has different set of sounds, spelling, accents and silent letters. At this time, you can rely on its written pronunciation. Hence, learning months in French can be challenging but promises to make your basics strong. Thus, to crystal clear your all doubts, we have shared a table of Months in French with pronunciation and its abbreviation. Have a look on this.

This table of Months in French with pronunciation could become a helping hand for the beginner to learn months in this language. However, the names of the French months are not capitalized, unlike English ones. This is because they are considered common nouns such as cat, dog, and ball. However, the French month’s name can be capitalized as the first word of a sentence.

Now, this was all about the pronunciation, it’s time to explore the Months of the year in French in detail along with its example. So read on to know more.

Also read – Days of Week in French

Explanation of Each Month in French with Example

Leaning Months in French is not less than bending over the backwards, but it can be a powerful weapon to make you sound like a French native. Most of the French months names resemble English ones, the only difference is pronunciation. However, every month from Janvier to Décembre has been dedicated to some special days in the months. So let’s explore these Months of the year in French in deep along with example.

1. Janvier – January

January or “janvier” is the first month in the French calendar that starts the year. This month represents the starting point for a new beginning. Moreover, janvier contains 31 days, and its name is derived from a divinity named “Janus” which was described to have two sideways-fronting faces, one representing the past for previous occurrences and the other on behalf representing future hope.

Example:  J'attends le 6 janvier pour avoir une fève cachée

Translation: I’m waiting for January 6th to get a hidden bean.

2. Février – February

Next is February, or in French “février” which comes after janvier and has 28 days, but it also has 29 days which happens every four years. This French month is considered special for couples to celebrate Valentine’s Day (la Saint Valentin). Also, French people celebrate Candlemas (La Chandeleur) on the 2nd février, as this day is dedicated to eating crepes (a kind of sweet dish) in France.

Example: La Saint-Valentin est célébrée le 14 février

Translation: Valentine’s Day is celebrated on February 14th 

3. Mars – March

The third month of the year is March or “mars”. This 31-day French month is named after a God of war named “Mars”. Also, in the earliest Roman calendar, March was considered the first month. Additionally, mars usually marks the start of the spring. However, the country perceives long rainy days, and it is called les giboulées de mars.

Example: Le websérie Emily in Paris a été tourné en mars

Translation: The web series Emily in Paris was filmed in March.

Also read- Thank you in French

4. Avril – April

Next is April or “avril” a title taken from the ancient Greek goddess of erotic beauty and love, Aphrodite. It is said that this deity was historically founded with the god named Venus by the Romans. This is the spring month who comes with blooming flowers, experiencing summer mid cold breeze and many festivals celebrated in France. This month in French celebrates 1st of April and it is called April Fool’s Day. In addition, there are 30 days in this month. Also, the Easter celebration comes this month. Here Christians celebrate the revival of Jesus Christ.

Example: L'anniversaire de mon ami est le 1er avril

Translation: My friend's birthday is on April 1st

5. Mai – May

After avril, mai or May come in the French calendar. If you belong to Mai, you might have two zodiac signs Taurus and Gemini. Also, this month in French has 31 days. The name of this month comes from the Maia, an Italian Goddess of spring, who was the wife of Vulcan. Also, May is known as a month of evolution in the seasons.

Example: Je rejoindrai les cours en mai

Translation: I will join the classes in May

6. Juin – June

According to the months in French and Georgian calendars June or in French “juin” is the sixth month. Juin is the first month of the summer. Also, the midsummer solstice takes place around June 21st, this day is considered the longest day in the year. Besides, this month's name is derived from the “Roman goddess Juno”, she was the wife and the sister of Jupiter. Also, this goddess is considered very important in Rome. You can practice speaking French by using this month in your sentences, such as

Example: Mon examen se terminera la première semaine de juin

Translation: My exam will end in the first week of June.

Also read: Introduction in French

7. Juillet – July

From juin, we move forward to the 3rd quarter of the wheel of the year which is July, translated to “juillet”. This month name is derived from the Julius Caesar. In this month, there are many special days and one of them is the 14th of juillet, which is Bastille Day (Bastille Day, Fête Nationale, or Quatorze Juillet) It is the French National Day. Also, juillet is called “Hay Month” because, the grass can be turned into hay during this month when it dries up form lack of rain.

Example: À Paris, on célèbre le 14 juillet avec enthousiasme

Translation: In Paris, we celebrate July 14th with enthusiasm.

8. Août – August

We are now moving forward to the middle of summer month that is August or “août”. This month's name is derived from the Roman leader Augustus Caesar. Moreover, the août is considered the harvest month. Also, the 15th août is considered to be a public holiday for “La Fête de l'Assomption” or Assumption day. Also, this 31 days month have some holidays such as National Friendship Day (1st August) and Women’s Equality Day (26th August).

Example: L'anniversaire de ma mère est le 20 août

Translation: My mother's birthday is on August 20th.

9. Septembre – September

9th French month is septembre or September, mainly Libra and Virgo people celebrate their birthdays in this month. The name of this month is derived from the Latin word “Septem” meaning seven, and many people consider this as a seven month. But why? As per the Roman calendar, which only has 10 months, septembre is counted seventh. Thus, due to that its name derived from them.

Example: Les écoles rouvriront le 1er septembre

Translation: Schools will reopen on September 1st

Also Read: Alphabets in French

10. Octobre – October

October translated to “octobre” This name originated from the Latin word “octō” means “eight”. As you read above about the septembre, octobre is also considered as eight months according to the Roman calendar. But in English calendar it is 10th month. Moreover, in octobre Halloween is celebrated in France. 

Example: J’attends avec impatience le mois d’octobre pour célébrer Halloween avec ma famille

Translation: I look forward to October to celebrate Halloween with my family.

11. Novembre – November

We have reached the second last month of the French calendar which is November or “november”. This month is the start of the winter season and holidays begins for many folks. However, in France, on the 11th of November the Armistice Day (L’Armistice), is celebrated in honor of the end of the World War 1.

Example: L'équipe commencera le tournage du film d'ici la fin novembre

Translation: The team will begin shooting the film by the end of November

12. Décembre – December

The last French month is December or “décembre” This month symbolizes completion and new beginnings. This month is waited by numerous folks as many festivals and holidays are celebrated in décembre. Most importantly celebrating Christmas (Noël) on the 25th décembre to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Another day is 31st décembre for celebrating the New Year which is last day of the year.

Example: Ouais, c'est le 25 décembre, joyeux Noël

Translation: Yay, its 25th December, happy Christmas

These are the 12 Months of the year in French. This explanation and example may help you to learn these months. However, to become proficient, you have to do tons of practice. For that, you can learn how to say how are you, numbers or thank you in French. These basics can assist you in climbing the ladder of becoming skillful.

Also read - Numbers in French

Conclusion

So, we have come to the end by learning the names of the months in French. These months are similar like English but could be challenging to pronounce. For that, you can refer to the table mentioned above. Moreover, we have learned about the Janvier to Décembre in detail. Also, through examples, you can comprehend the usage of these months in sentences. Thus, speaking French can be just like reading ABC only when you become proficient. So for that, you can practice different basics like numbers, good morning, or goodbye in French. You can also enroll in French classes at Gradding.com, experts here assure to make you a proficient French speaker. 

FAQ’s

What are the 12 months in French?

The twelve month in French is janvier (January), février (February), mars (March), avril (April), mai (May), juin (June), juillet (July), août (August), septembre (September), octobre (October), novembre (November), and décembre (December).

How do you say "the month of" in French?

In French “the month of” is translated into the “le mois de”. For instance, the month of April would be “le mois d'avril” 

How do you abbreviate months in French?

In French, usually months are abbreviated to three or four letters, followed by a certain period. For example

• Janvier: janv.
• Février: févr.
• Mars: mars
• Avril: avr.
• Mai: mai
• Juin: juin
• Juillet: juil
• Août: août
• Septembre: sept
• Octobre: oct
• Novembre: nov
• Décembre: déc.

What gender are months in French?

In French, all months in the year are counted as masculine because the word “month” translated to “mois” is denoted as masculine.

Do months get capitalized in French?

Unlike months in English get capitalization, in French months are not capitalized unless the sentences start with the month. The reason behind this is they are considered common nouns such as cat, dog, ball, etc. Additionally, the same rule applies to the days and seasons.