Signification
To be away from work or school for a period of rest.
Contexte culturel
The concept of 'puente' (bridge) often extends vacations. If a holiday falls on a Thursday, people take Friday off to 'estar de vacaciones' for four days. Summer vacations happen in January. If you say 'estoy de vacaciones' in July, people will assume you are in the mountains skiing. During 'Semana Santa' (Holy Week), almost the entire country is 'de vacaciones', and beaches are extremely crowded.
Always Plural
Even if you are only taking one holiday, always use the plural 'vacaciones' in this phrase.
The 'Ser' Trap
English speakers often say 'Soy de vacaciones' because they think of it as a definition of their current identity. Remember: it's a location/state, so use 'Estar'.
Signification
To be away from work or school for a period of rest.
Always Plural
Even if you are only taking one holiday, always use the plural 'vacaciones' in this phrase.
The 'Ser' Trap
English speakers often say 'Soy de vacaciones' because they think of it as a definition of their current identity. Remember: it's a location/state, so use 'Estar'.
Teste-toi
Choose the correct verb for the sentence.
Yo _______ de vacaciones en Cancún.
We use 'estar' for temporary states like being on vacation.
Fill in the missing preposition.
Ellos están ___ vacaciones.
The fixed collocation is 'estar de vacaciones'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: ¿Dónde está María? B: Ella _______ de vacaciones en Sevilla.
The subject 'Ella' requires the third-person singular 'está'.
Match the phrase to the correct context.
Which phrase is best for an out-of-office email?
'Estar de vacaciones' is the professional way to say you are on leave.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesYo _______ de vacaciones en Cancún.
We use 'estar' for temporary states like being on vacation.
Ellos están ___ vacaciones.
The fixed collocation is 'estar de vacaciones'.
A: ¿Dónde está María? B: Ella _______ de vacaciones en Sevilla.
The subject 'Ella' requires the third-person singular 'está'.
Which phrase is best for an out-of-office email?
'Estar de vacaciones' is the professional way to say you are on leave.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
6 questionsIt is understood, but 'estar de vacaciones' is the grammatically correct and most natural form.
In 99% of cases, use 'vacaciones'. The singular is rare and usually refers to a specific legal vacancy.
Use 'Tengo el día libre' or 'Estoy libre'. 'Estar de vacaciones' implies a longer period.
Yes, students are also 'de vacaciones' during their breaks.
'Estar de viaje' means you are traveling/on a trip. You can be 'de vacaciones' while staying at home.
Yes, it is the standard phrase for professional out-of-office notifications.
Expressions liées
irse de vacaciones
similarTo go on vacation
vacaciones pagadas
specialized formPaid vacation
estar de baja
contrastTo be on sick leave
