Tell me more ×
French Language & Usage Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for students, teachers, and linguists wanting to discuss the finer points of the French language. It's 100% free, no registration required.
up vote 4 down vote favorite
1

Would

It is night.

be

C'est nuit.

or

Il est nuit.

or

Il fait nuit.

or something else?

share|improve this question

2 Answers

up vote 5 down vote accepted

You can say :

  • Il fait nuit.
  • C'est la nuit.

The other two aren't correct.

share|improve this answer
Why not just "C'est nuit"? Wouldn't the "la" make it "It is the night"? – muntoo Nov 20 '11 at 7:34
3  
Cases where French does not use the definite article (−> le, la, les ) are rare. A lot rarer then in English. In it's night you don't use the definite article in English because here night is an abstract noun. In French you have to use the definite article in front of night in that case. We might find a noun without an article in ready made phrases (jour et nuit par exemple) or to convey a special effect. In general don't translate literally from one language to another, it rarely works ! – Laure Nov 20 '11 at 8:53
up vote 7 down vote

The correct translation of "It's night." is "Il fait nuit." When you speak about the weather or the sky, you always say "Il fait".

Il fait nuit. (It's night.)

Il fait jour. (It's day.)

Il fait beau. (The weather is good.)

Il fait moche. (The weather is bad.)

Il fait froid. (It's cold.)

Il fait chaud. (It's hot.)

Il fait sombre (The weather is dark. )

Il fait clair. (The weather is bright. )

share|improve this answer

Your Answer

 
discard

By posting your answer, you agree to the privacy policy and terms of service.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.