A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "In the evening" in French
The standard French phrase for 'in the evening', perfect for planning your French nights out.
le soir
luh SWAHRneutral
French TTS · 0:01
Use this when talking about activities or events happening after sunset. It's the general term for the latter part of the day.
Alternatives
- ce soirUse this specifically for 'this evening' or 'tonight'.
- en soiréeThis implies 'during an evening event' like a party or reception.
Ways to get it wrong
Pronouncing the 'oi'
The 'oi' in 'soir' sounds like the 'wa' in 'water', not 'oy'.
Forgetting the article
Always use 'le' before 'soir' when meaning 'in the evening'.
A small cultural note
The French tend to eat dinner later than in some English-speaking countries, so 'le soir' can often extend quite late into the night.
The same phrase in other languages
Frequently asked
When does 'le soir' start in France?
Generally, 'le soir' begins around 6 PM or when the sun starts to set. It covers the period until bedtime.
Difference between 'le soir' and 'la nuit'?
'Le soir' is the early evening, while 'la nuit' refers to nighttime, typically after 9 or 10 PM, and especially when it's dark.
How to say 'good evening' in French?
You say 'Bonsoir' to greet someone in the evening. It's used similarly to 'Good evening' in English.
What do you say in the evening in France?
In France, you would typically say "le soir" to refer to the evening. This phrase is used generally to talk about the time between the afternoon and night.
Is it correct to say "in the evening"?
Yes, the phrase "in the evening" is grammatically correct in English. In French, the equivalent and correct phrase is "le soir".
