Meaning
Used to refer to the day after the current day.
Cultural Background
The phrase 'Ce n'est pas pour demain' is a common way to express that something is far from happening or unlikely. In Quebec, the pronunciation of 'demain' can have a more nasal and closed 'in' sound, sometimes sounding like 'demé'. In some regions, 'demain' can be used more flexibly to mean 'in the near future,' not necessarily the literal next day, reflecting a different cultural relationship with time. Swiss French speakers are known for their precision; 'demain' almost always means the literal next day, and 'à demain' is often followed by a specific time.
Farewell Shortcut
You can just say 'À demain !' to anyone you'll see the next day. It's friendly and very common.
No 'On' Needed
Never say 'sur demain' or 'à demain' (except for the farewell). Just say 'demain'.
Meaning
Used to refer to the day after the current day.
Farewell Shortcut
You can just say 'À demain !' to anyone you'll see the next day. It's friendly and very common.
No 'On' Needed
Never say 'sur demain' or 'à demain' (except for the farewell). Just say 'demain'.
Texting Slang
Use 'dmain' or 'dm' when texting French friends to sound more like a native.
The 'Midi' Tomorrow
In the South of France, 'demain' might be a bit more flexible. Don't be surprised if 'demain' means 'later this week' in very casual settings!
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct word for 'tomorrow'.
Je vais au restaurant ________ avec mes parents.
The sentence implies a future action ('je vais'), so 'demain' is the only logical choice.
Choose the correct farewell for someone you will see the next day.
Au revoir ! ________ !
'À demain' is the standard way to say 'See you tomorrow'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Tu es libre ce soir ? B: Non, mais je suis libre ________.
B is responding to a question about 'today' (ce soir) with an alternative for the next day.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are telling a story about a trip you took last year. You want to say what happened the day after you arrived.
In a past narrative, 'le lendemain' is used instead of 'demain'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Demain vs Lendemain
Practice Bank
4 exercisesJe vais au restaurant ________ avec mes parents.
The sentence implies a future action ('je vais'), so 'demain' is the only logical choice.
Au revoir ! ________ !
'À demain' is the standard way to say 'See you tomorrow'.
A: Tu es libre ce soir ? B: Non, mais je suis libre ________.
B is responding to a question about 'today' (ce soir) with an alternative for the next day.
You are telling a story about a trip you took last year. You want to say what happened the day after you arrived.
In a past narrative, 'le lendemain' is used instead of 'demain'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsWhen used as a noun, it is masculine ({le|m} demain). As an adverb, it has no gender.
Yes, if you are actually meeting the person the next day. Otherwise, use 'À demain' as a closing only in casual contexts.
'Demain' is tomorrow relative to today. 'Lendemain' is the next day relative to any day in a story.
Use the word 'après-demain'.
Usually yes, but in casual speech, the present tense is often used (e.g., 'Je pars demain').
No. Unlike Spanish or German, French has separate words: 'demain' (tomorrow) and 'matin' (morning).
Use 'd'ici demain'.
Yes, 'Demain c'est loin' by IAM is a very famous French rap song.
Yes, that is the standard way to say 'tomorrow evening'.
It means 'it's not going to happen anytime soon'.
Related Phrases
après-demain
builds onThe day after tomorrow
le lendemain
similarThe next day
hier
contrastYesterday
aujourd'hui
contrastToday
à demain
specialized formSee you tomorrow
dès demain
specialized formStarting tomorrow
