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A2 noun #4,000 most common 13 min read

soldes

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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips soldes in 30 Seconds

Explanation soldes in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should learn that 'les soldes' means 'the sales'. It is a word you will see in shop windows. You use it to talk about buying things at a lower price. It is always plural when you talk about shopping. You can say 'J'aime les soldes' (I like sales) or 'C'est les soldes' (It is the sales). It is important to know that in France, sales happen in winter and summer. You will see signs with percentages like '-50%' next to this word. Don't worry about the complex laws yet; just remember it's the time to find cheap clothes and shoes. You can use simple verbs like 'acheter' (to buy) or 'regarder' (to look) with this word. For example, 'J'achète des chaussures aux soldes' (I buy shoes at the sales). Remember that it is a masculine word, so you use 'les' or 'des'. It is one of the first 'shopping' words you will encounter because it is so common in French cities. Think of it as a special event for shopping. When you see the big red signs in January, you know it's time for 'les soldes'.

At the A2 level, you can begin to use 'les soldes' in more complete sentences and understand its grammatical gender. It is a masculine plural noun. You should learn the common expression 'faire les soldes', which means 'to go sales shopping'. For example: 'Samedi, je vais faire les soldes avec mes amis.' You also learn that 'en solde' or 'soldé' describes an item with a reduced price. You might say 'Ce pantalon est en solde' or 'C'est un article soldé'. You can also start to distinguish between 'les soldes d'hiver' (winter sales) and 'les soldes d'été' (summer sales). At this level, you should be able to ask questions in a shop, such as 'Est-ce que cet article est en solde ?' or 'Quand commencent les soldes ?'. You will notice that 'les soldes' is different from 'le solde' (the balance), although they look similar. Focus on the context: if you are in a shop, it's almost always the plural 'sales'. You can also use adverbs to describe your experience, like 'Il y a trop de monde pendant les soldes' (There are too many people during the sales). This level is about using the word in everyday shopping scenarios.

At the B1 level, you should understand the cultural significance and the specific timing of 'les soldes' in French-speaking countries. You are now able to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of shopping during these periods. You might use phrases like 'profiter des soldes' (to take advantage of the sales) to explain your shopping habits. For instance, 'Je préfère attendre les soldes pour acheter des vêtements de marque car c'est plus économique.' You should also become familiar with the 'démarques' (markdowns). Shops usually have a 'première démarque' (first markdown), then a 'deuxième', and finally a 'troisième', where prices are lowest. You can talk about your strategy: 'J'attends la deuxième démarque pour avoir de meilleurs prix.' Your vocabulary expands to include related terms like 'une affaire' (a deal) or 'un rabais' (a discount). You can also use the word in more complex grammatical structures, such as the passive voice or conditional: 'Si j'avais plus d'argent, je ferais les soldes à Paris.' You understand that 'les soldes' are a regulated event, which distinguishes them from 'promotions' that can occur anytime. This nuance is important for more natural conversations about consumer habits and lifestyle.

At the B2 level, you can engage in deeper discussions about the economic and legal aspects of 'les soldes'. You understand that 'les soldes' are the only time French retailers are legally allowed to sell at a loss to clear inventory. You can use the word in professional or formal contexts, such as discussing retail trends or consumer law. For example, 'La législation sur les soldes a évolué pour s'adapter au commerce en ligne.' You are aware of the debate surrounding 'les soldes'—some people argue they encourage overconsumption, while others see them as essential for purchasing power. You can express these opinions using sophisticated vocabulary: 'Les soldes incitent à la surconsommation, ce qui a un impact environnemental non négligeable.' You also know the difference between 'les soldes' and other commercial events like 'le Black Friday' or 'les ventes privées'. You can use the word 'solde' in its other meanings (masculine singular for balance, feminine singular for military pay) without confusion. Your ability to use 'soldes' in idiomatic expressions and varied registers is well-developed. You might read articles about 'le bilan des soldes' (the sales report) and understand the financial implications for the retail sector.

At the C1 level, you have a nuanced mastery of the term 'soldes' and its place in French society and law. You can analyze the evolution of 'les soldes' in the face of global competition and e-commerce. You might discuss the concept of 'soldes flottants' (variable sales dates) which were once allowed but then abolished, showing a high level of cultural and historical knowledge. You can use the word in complex rhetorical structures, perhaps in an essay or a formal debate about the 'société de consommation'. You understand the precise legal terminology surrounding sales, such as 'revente à perte' (reselling at a loss) and 'période de référence'. You can also appreciate the word's use in literature or high-level journalism, where it might be used metaphorically to describe a 'clearance' of ideas or values. Your pronunciation and usage are indistinguishable from a native speaker, including the subtle distinction between 'en solde' and 'soldé'. You can navigate the most complex shopping situations, including disputes over 'articles ni repris ni échangés' during the sales period, using the correct legal and commercial terminology. You are also aware of regional variations in sales dates, such as in border regions or overseas territories (DOM-TOM).

At the C2 level, your understanding of 'soldes' is exhaustive, covering its etymological roots, legal intricacies, and socio-economic impact. You can speak authoritatively on the history of French commerce and how the 'Code de commerce' regulates 'les soldes'. You might explore the word's origin from the 19th-century fabric trade and how it became a cornerstone of the modern French retail identity. You are capable of discussing the psychological triggers used during sales and the linguistic strategies stores employ to attract customers. You can use 'soldes' in any context, from a casual joke about 'faire les soldes' to a high-level economic analysis of retail margins. You understand the subtle irony or social commentary that might be attached to the word in contemporary French culture, such as in films or satirical writing. There is no confusion between the various homonyms and genders of the word; you use 'le solde de tout compte' (final settlement of an account upon leaving a job) and 'la solde des troupes' with absolute precision. Your command of the language allows you to play with the word, perhaps using it in puns or creative writing. You are essentially a native-level expert on both the linguistic and cultural facets of this term.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

soldes in 30 Seconds

The word 'soldes' refers to the official, legally regulated sales periods in France that occur twice a year to clear seasonal stock.
It is a masculine plural noun, so you must always use 'les soldes' and ensure adjectives agree with its gender and number.
Unlike general promotions, 'soldes' are the only time French retailers can legally sell items at a loss to empty their shelves.
The most common phrase is 'faire les soldes', meaning to go shopping specifically to find discounted items during these official periods.

In the French language, the term soldes refers to specific, legally regulated periods during which retail stores are permitted to sell their inventory at significantly reduced prices to make room for new seasonal collections. Unlike in many English-speaking countries where 'sales' can happen at any time of the year at the discretion of the business owner, the French government strictly mandates the dates for the winter and summer sales. This cultural and legal framework makes the word soldes carry a much weightier connotation than a simple clearance event. When a French person hears the word, they think of the bi-annual frenzy of bargain hunting that occurs in January and July. It is a masculine plural noun, which is a common point of confusion for learners who might assume it is feminine due to the final 'e'.

Grammatical Gender: Masculine Plural (les soldes). It is essential to use 'beaux soldes' rather than 'belles soldes'.
Legal Context: In France, 'les soldes' are the only times shops are legally allowed to sell items at a loss (revente à perte).

J'ai trouvé cette magnifique veste en cuir à moitié prix pendant les soldes d'hiver.

The term is derived from the old French word 'solde', which related to a piece of fabric or a remainder of cloth. Over time, it evolved to represent the remaining stock that needs to be cleared out. You will see this word plastered across storefronts in large red letters during the peak shopping seasons. It is also used in common parlance to discuss budgeting and smart shopping. For example, one might say 'faire les soldes', which means to go out specifically to shop for discounted items. It is not just about the items themselves, but the event of the sale. During these periods, you will often see 'première démarque' (first markdown), 'deuxième démarque' (second markdown), and so on, as the prices drop further over the four to six weeks of the event.

Est-ce que tu vas faire les soldes demain matin pour l'ouverture des magasins ?

Common Collocation: Faire les soldes (To go sales shopping).

Beyond the physical retail space, 'soldes' is now ubiquitous in e-commerce. French websites will have dedicated sections for 'soldes' where filters allow users to sort by the percentage of the discount. It is important to distinguish 'soldes' from 'promotions' or 'ventes privées'. Promotions can happen anytime, but 'soldes' implies the seasonal clearance regulated by the state. This distinction is vital for consumers because the consumer protection laws vary slightly; for instance, items bought in 'soldes' are often marked 'ni repris, ni échangé' (neither returned nor exchanged), although legal guarantees against hidden defects still apply.

Les soldes d'été commencent généralement le dernier mercredi de juin.

Beaucoup de gens attendent les soldes pour acheter de l'électroménager coûteux.

Antonym Context: Plein tarif (Full price). Buying something 'hors soldes' means paying the standard retail price.

Il n'y a plus ma taille, j'aurais dû venir au début des soldes.

Using the word soldes correctly requires an understanding of its plural nature and its specific role as a noun. Because it is a masculine plural noun, any adjectives or articles modifying it must also be masculine plural. For example, you would say 'les grands soldes' or 'des soldes exceptionnels'. One of the most common sentence structures involves the verb 'faire', as in 'faire les soldes'. This doesn't mean 'to make the sales' but rather 'to go shopping during the sales'. It is an idiomatic way to describe the activity of looking for bargains. You can also use 'pendant' to indicate the time frame, such as 'pendant les soldes'.

Standard Structure: Article + Soldes + De/D' + Season/Year. Example: 'Les soldes d'hiver 2024'.

Nous avons profité des soldes pour refaire toute la décoration du salon.

When discussing the price or the discount itself within the context of sales, you might use 'en solde'. Note that while the event is 'les soldes' (plural), an individual item can be described as being 'en solde' (singular, though this is often debated; 'en soldes' with an 's' is also widely used and accepted in modern French to refer to the item being part of the sale event). However, the most formal way to describe a discounted item is 'un article soldé'. Using the past participle 'soldé' as an adjective is very common and avoids the confusion of singular versus plural nouns. For instance, 'un pantalon soldé' or 'une robe soldée'.

Cet ordinateur était trop cher le mois dernier, mais il est enfin en solde.

Another important grammatical point is the preposition used. You 'buy' something 'aux soldes' or 'pendant les soldes'. If you are talking about the start of the sales, you would say 'le début des soldes'. If you are talking about the end, it is 'la fin des soldes'. Because the word is so central to French commerce, you will also hear it in professional contexts, such as 'le chiffre d'affaires des soldes' (the turnover during the sales). In a more casual setting, friends might ask each other, 'Tu as fait de bonnes affaires aux soldes ?' (Did you find any good deals at the sales?).

Question Format: Est-ce que [Sujet] [Verbe] pendant les soldes ? Example: 'Est-ce que vous ouvrez plus tôt pendant les soldes ?'

La période des soldes est le moment idéal pour acheter des cadeaux de Noël en avance.

Toutes les chaussures de cette étagère sont à -30% pour les soldes.

Verb Association: Profiter de (To take advantage of). 'Je profite des soldes pour acheter des vêtements de marque.'

Les soldes flottants n'existent plus en France depuis quelques années.

The word soldes is inescapable in France during late December/early January and June/July. You will hear it in radio advertisements, see it in giant letters on billboards, and read it in every marketing email in your inbox. In the streets of major cities like Paris, Lyon, or Bordeaux, the windows of department stores like Galeries Lafayette or Printemps are covered with the word. Shop assistants will use it constantly when talking to customers: 'C'est notre dernier article en soldes' (This is our last item on sale). It is a central part of the retail vocabulary and a major topic of conversation among friends and family during these months.

In the Media: News reports often start with 'C'est le coup d'envoi des soldes' (It's the kickoff of the sales) to report on the crowds at major shopping centers.

À la radio : 'Ne manquez pas les soldes exceptionnels chez votre concessionnaire ce weekend !'

In a social context, you will hear people discussing their 'trouvailles' (finds) from the sales. It is common to hear, 'Regarde ce que j'ai déniché aux soldes !' (Look what I found at the sales!). The word also appears in a more cynical or critical light when people discuss consumerism or the overcrowding of shops. Someone might say, 'Je déteste la foule pendant les soldes' (I hate the crowds during the sales). Because the dates are fixed, there is a collective social rhythm to the word; everyone knows when 'les soldes' are coming, leading to a period of 'repérage' (scouting) in the weeks prior where people browse shops to decide what they will buy once the prices drop.

Dans le métro : 'Tu as vu les pubs ? Les soldes commencent mercredi prochain.'

In the workplace, colleagues might talk about taking a day off or an extended lunch break to 'faire les soldes'. It's a culturally accepted reason for being a bit distracted. You might also hear it in financial news when analysts discuss 'le bilan des soldes' (the sales results), which is used as an indicator of the health of the French economy and consumer confidence. Even in small villages, the local 'boulangerie' or 'tabac' might have a small corner with 'articles en soldes', showing how deeply the concept permeates all levels of French commerce.

Professional Environment: Marketing teams spend months preparing for 'la campagne des soldes' to ensure maximum visibility.

Le gérant du magasin a annoncé que les soldes de cette année ont battu tous les records.

J'ai entendu dire que les soldes sur internet commencent à minuit pile.

Customer Service: 'Est-ce que ce canapé sera en soldes ?' is a common question customers ask in the weeks leading up to the event.

Les soldes permettent aux petits commerçants de liquider leurs stocks invendus.

One of the most frequent errors made by English speakers is confusing the gender of the word. Because many French nouns ending in 'e' are feminine, learners often say 'la solde' or 'les bonnes soldes'. However, soldes is masculine. Using the wrong gender can lead to confusion because 'la solde' actually exists but has a completely different meaning: it refers to the pay or salary of a soldier. Therefore, saying 'Je vais chercher ma solde' implies you are going to collect your military wages, whereas 'Je vais faire les soldes' means you are going shopping.

Gender Confusion: Mistake: 'La solde est finie.' Correct: 'Les soldes sont finis.' (Masculine Plural).

Attention : ne dites pas 'une belle solde', mais 'un beau solde' ou 'des soldes intéressants'.

Another common mistake is confusing 'les soldes' (plural) with 'le solde' (singular). As mentioned previously, 'le solde' in the masculine singular refers to a balance, such as in a bank account or a final payment to close an account. If you tell a shopkeeper 'Je veux voir le solde', they might think you want to see the remaining balance on a gift card or a loyalty account rather than the discounted items. To refer to the sale event or the discounted stock, always use the plural form. Additionally, learners often misuse the preposition, saying 'en soldes' when they mean the item is reduced, which is common but technically 'soldé' is the more precise adjective.

Il a confondu le solde de son compte bancaire avec les soldes du magasin.

Misunderstanding the legal definition is also a mistake. In English, 'sale' is a broad term. In French, using 'soldes' outside of the official government-sanctioned periods is technically incorrect and can even be legally problematic for businesses. For events outside these dates, shops use terms like 'promotions', 'ventes privées', 'déstockage', or 'prix barrés'. If a learner asks a shopkeeper in October, 'Quand sont les soldes ?', they are asking for the specific winter dates, not just if there are any current discounts. Finally, avoid the literal translation of 'on sale'. In English, 'on sale' can mean 'available for purchase' or 'at a discount'. In French, 'en vente' means available for purchase, while 'en soldes' specifically means at a reduced price during the clearance period.

Translation Trap: Don't translate 'The car is for sale' as 'La voiture est en solde' unless it is actually discounted. Use 'La voiture est à vendre'.

Ce n'est pas parce qu'un article est en solde qu'il est forcément de mauvaise qualité.

Elle a oublié d'accorder l'adjectif : elle a dit 'des soldes exceptionnelles' au lieu de 'exceptionnels'.

False Friend Alert: In Spanish, 'sueldo' means salary. In French, 'solde' (masculine singular) is a balance, and 'soldes' (masculine plural) are sales. Don't mix them up!

Il est interdit d'utiliser le mot soldes pour des promotions qui ne respectent pas la loi.

While soldes is the most specific term for seasonal clearance, French has several other words to describe discounts and sales events. Understanding the nuances between these terms will help you sound more like a native speaker and navigate French shops more effectively. The most general term is 'promotion' (often shortened to 'promo'), which can be used for any price reduction at any time of year. Unlike 'soldes', a 'promotion' does not have to be a clearance of old stock; it could be a special offer on a new product to encourage sales.

Soldes vs. Promotion: 'Soldes' are regulated seasonal clearances. 'Promotions' are temporary price drops that can happen anytime.
Soldes vs. Réduction: 'Réduction' is the general noun for a discount (e.g., 'une réduction de 10%').

Ce n'est pas un article des soldes, c'est une promotion temporaire pour le lancement.

Another term you will frequently encounter is 'ventes privées' (private sales). These are often held just before the official 'soldes' start and are technically reserved for loyal customers or those with a store card. It's a way for shops to start clearing stock early without violating the strict laws governing the start dates of the 'soldes'. There is also 'déstockage', which refers to a clearance sale, often because a shop is closing down or moving location. In this context, the goal is to empty the entire store, not just seasonal items. 'Rabais' and 'remise' are more technical terms for discounts often used in invoicing or more formal business transactions.

Le magasin fait un déstockage total avant travaux, c'est encore mieux que les soldes !

In a retail setting, you might also see 'braderie'. This is usually a large outdoor market or a specific day where local shops put their goods on tables in the street at very low prices. The most famous is the 'Braderie de Lille'. While 'soldes' are national and synchronized, a 'braderie' is local and festive. Finally, 'liquidation' is used specifically when a business is closing permanently or changing its activity significantly, allowing for the steepest discounts possible under French law. Understanding these distinctions helps you know exactly what kind of shopping experience to expect.

Soldes vs. Braderie: 'Soldes' are indoor, regulated periods. 'Braderie' is often an outdoor, festive local market event.

J'ai acheté ce vélo lors d'une braderie, le prix était imbattable, même comparé aux soldes.

Les soldes restent le moment préféré des Français pour renouveler leur garde-robe.

Technical terms: Une ristourne : An informal or commercial rebate. Une démarque : A markdown in price.

Il attend la troisième démarque des soldes pour avoir 70% de réduction.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The modern commercial meaning of 'soldes' (sales) only appeared in the 19th century. It referred to the 'coupon' or the remainder of a piece of fabric that was sold at a lower price.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /sɔld/

US /sɔld/

The stress is on the only syllable 'sold'.

Rhymes With

Bolde (rare) Isolde (name) Gonde (near rhyme) Monde (near rhyme) Blonde (near rhyme) Réponde (near rhyme) Seconde (near rhyme) Fonde (near rhyme)

Common Errors

Pronouncing the final 'es' like 'eez' (English style). It should be silent.
Using a long English 'o' as in 'cold'. The French 'o' is more open.
Pronouncing the 's' at the end. In French, the final 's' in 'soldes' is silent unless followed by a word starting with a vowel (liaison).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The word is easy to recognize on signs and in text.

Writing 3/5

Must remember it's masculine plural and not confuse it with the singular meanings.

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation is simple, but must remember the silent 'es'.

Listening 3/5

Can be confused with 'le solde' or 'la solde' in fast speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

Magasin Prix Acheter Vêtement Argent

Learn Next

Démarque Rabais Remise Ticket de caisse Remboursement

Advanced

Revente à perte Code de commerce Trésorerie Liquidation judiciaire Sobriété

Grammar to Know

Plural of Nouns ending in -e

Un solde -> Des soldes (Add 's', pronunciation remains the same).

Masculine vs Feminine Nouns with the same spelling

Le solde (balance) vs La solde (military pay).

Prepositions with Events

Aux soldes (à + les) or Pendant les soldes.

Agreement of Adjectives with Plural Nouns

Les soldes exceptionnels (not exceptionnelles).

Passive Voice with Plural Subjects

Les soldes sont terminés (not terminé).

Examples by Level

J'aime beaucoup les soldes.

I like the sales a lot.

Notice the use of 'les' because 'soldes' is plural.

C'est les soldes aujourd'hui.

It is the sales today.

'C'est' is often used before plural nouns in casual speech, though 'ce sont' is more formal.

Regarde, ce sac est en solde !

Look, this bag is on sale!

'En solde' is used to describe an item's status.

Où sont les soldes ?

Where are the sales?

A simple question using the plural verb 'sont'.

Je cherche des chaussures en solde.

I am looking for shoes on sale.

'Des' is the indefinite plural article.

Les soldes commencent demain.

The sales start tomorrow.

The verb 'commencent' agrees with the plural subject 'les soldes'.

Il y a des soldes dans ce magasin.

There are sales in this store.

'Il y a' means 'there is' or 'there are'.

C'est un bon solde.

It is a good sale.

Using 'solde' in the singular to refer to a specific discount.

Nous allons faire les soldes samedi matin.

We are going to go sales shopping Saturday morning.

'Faire les soldes' is an idiomatic expression for shopping during sales.

Est-ce que vous avez des articles en solde ?

Do you have any items on sale?

A polite way to inquire about discounts using 'est-ce que'.

J'ai acheté cette robe pendant les soldes d'été.

I bought this dress during the summer sales.

'Pendant' indicates the duration or period.

Il y a trop de monde aux soldes.

There are too many people at the sales.

'Trop de' is followed by a noun without an article.

Je préfère les soldes d'hiver pour les manteaux.

I prefer the winter sales for coats.

'D'hiver' acts as an adjective modifying 'soldes'.

Cette chemise n'est pas en solde.

This shirt is not on sale.

Negation using 'ne... pas' around the verb 'est'.

Tu as trouvé quelque chose aux soldes ?

Did you find something at the sales?

Using 'aux' (à + les) to indicate location/event.

Les prix sont très bas pendant les soldes.

Prices are very low during the sales.

'Bas' is the adjective for low, agreeing with the masculine plural 'prix'.

J'attends toujours les soldes pour faire mes gros achats.

I always wait for the sales to make my big purchases.

'Gros achats' uses the masculine plural adjective 'gros'.

Elle a profité des soldes pour refaire sa garde-robe.

She took advantage of the sales to redo her wardrobe.

'Profiter de' requires the preposition 'de', which combines with 'les' to become 'des'.

Les soldes permettent de faire de réelles économies.

Sales allow one to make real savings.

'Permettre de' is followed by an infinitive verb.

Il ne reste plus beaucoup de tailles à la fin des soldes.

There aren't many sizes left at the end of the sales.

'Ne... plus' means 'no more' or 'not anymore'.

C'est la deuxième démarque des soldes, les prix chutent encore.

It's the second markdown of the sales, prices are dropping even further.

'Démarque' refers to the successive stages of price reduction.

Je n'aime pas la foule, donc je fais les soldes en ligne.

I don't like crowds, so I do the sales online.

'En ligne' is the standard term for 'online'.

Est-ce que les soldes valent vraiment le coup cette année ?

Are the sales really worth it this year?

'Valoir le coup' is an idiom meaning 'to be worth it'.

Les articles achetés pendant les soldes ne sont pas toujours remboursables.

Items bought during the sales are not always refundable.

The past participle 'achetés' agrees with 'les articles'.

La période des soldes est strictement encadrée par la loi française.

The sales period is strictly regulated by French law.

'Encadrée' is the feminine singular past participle agreeing with 'la période'.

Les commerçants utilisent les soldes pour écouler leurs invendus.

Merchants use sales to get rid of their unsold stock.

'Écouler' is a specific verb for selling off stock.

Malgré les soldes, le pouvoir d'achat des Français reste une préoccupation.

Despite the sales, the purchasing power of the French remains a concern.

'Malgré' is a preposition followed directly by a noun.

On observe une baisse de la fréquentation des magasins pendant les soldes.

A decrease in store attendance is observed during the sales.

'Fréquentation' refers to the number of visitors or customers.

Les soldes d'été ont été prolongés de deux semaines cette année.

The summer sales were extended by two weeks this year.

Passive voice 'ont été prolongés' agrees with 'les soldes' (masculine plural).

Certaines marques de luxe ne font jamais de soldes pour garder leur prestige.

Some luxury brands never have sales to maintain their prestige.

'Ne... jamais de' replaces 'pas de' for 'never any'.

Il faut se méfier des fausses remises avant le début des soldes.

One must be wary of fake discounts before the start of the sales.

'Se méfier de' means 'to be wary of'.

Le succès des soldes dépend souvent de la météo.

The success of the sales often depends on the weather.

'Dépendre de' is the standard construction for 'to depend on'.

L'avènement du commerce électronique a profondément bouleversé le rituel des soldes.

The advent of e-commerce has profoundly disrupted the ritual of sales.

'Bouleversé' is a strong verb for 'disrupted' or 'shaken up'.

Les soldes ne sont plus le seul moment fort de la consommation annuelle.

Sales are no longer the only peak moment of annual consumption.

'Moment fort' is a common expression for a highlight or peak period.

La revente à perte n'est autorisée que durant les périodes de soldes légaux.

Reselling at a loss is only authorized during legal sales periods.

'Ne... que' is a restrictive structure meaning 'only'.

Les associations de consommateurs dénoncent parfois des pratiques abusives lors des soldes.

Consumer associations sometimes denounce abusive practices during the sales.

'Lors de' is a more formal alternative to 'pendant'.

Le bilan des soldes d'hiver témoigne d'une mutation des habitudes d'achat.

The winter sales report bears witness to a shift in buying habits.

'Témoigner de' means 'to bear witness to' or 'to reflect'.

Il est crucial de distinguer les soldes des simples opérations de déstockage.

It is crucial to distinguish sales from simple clearance operations.

'Distinguer [A] de [B]' is the standard structure.

Les soldes constituent un enjeu majeur pour la trésorerie des petits commerçants.

Sales constitute a major stake for the cash flow of small merchants.

'Constituer' is a formal verb for 'to represent' or 'to be'.

L'impact écologique des soldes est de plus en plus pointé du doigt par les activistes.

The ecological impact of sales is increasingly pointed out by activists.

'Pointer du doigt' is an idiom meaning 'to single out' or 'to blame'.

La pérennité du modèle traditionnel des soldes est remise en question par la fast-fashion.

The sustainability of the traditional sales model is called into question by fast fashion.

'Remettre en question' is a sophisticated way to say 'to challenge' or 'to question'.

Sous l'Ancien Régime, la notion de soldes telle que nous la connaissons n'existait guère.

Under the Ancien Régime, the notion of sales as we know it hardly existed.

'Guère' is a literary negation meaning 'hardly' or 'scarcely'.

Les soldes cristallisent les tensions entre impératifs économiques et conscience environnementale.

Sales crystallize tensions between economic imperatives and environmental awareness.

'Cristalliser' is used here metaphorically to mean 'to bring to a head' or 'to manifest'.

L'arsenal législatif entourant les soldes vise à prévenir toute distorsion de concurrence.

The legislative arsenal surrounding sales aims to prevent any distortion of competition.

'Arsenal législatif' is a high-level term for a comprehensive set of laws.

Nonobstant les rabais alléchants, la sobriété numérique freine l'ardeur des cyber-acheteurs durant les soldes.

Notwithstanding the enticing discounts, digital sobriety curbs the ardor of cyber-shoppers during sales.

'Nonobstant' is a very formal preposition for 'despite' or 'notwithstanding'.

La sémantique publicitaire des soldes s'appuie sur l'urgence et la rareté pour susciter l'achat impulsif.

The advertising semantics of sales rely on urgency and scarcity to provoke impulsive buying.

'S'appuyer sur' means 'to rely on' or 'to be based on'.

Le caractère cyclique des soldes rythme la vie citadine et les flux logistiques à l'échelle nationale.

The cyclical nature of sales rhythms city life and logistic flows on a national scale.

'Rythmer' is used here to mean 'to provide a rhythm for' or 'to regulate'.

L'érosion de l'exclusivité des soldes au profit de promotions permanentes interroge sur l'avenir du commerce de détail.

The erosion of the exclusivity of sales in favor of permanent promotions raises questions about the future of retail.

'Au profit de' means 'to the benefit of' or 'in favor of'.

Common Collocations

Faire les soldes

Soldes d'hiver

Soldes d'été

En solde

Première démarque

Article soldé

Période de soldes

Profiter des soldes

Fin des soldes

Gros soldes

Common Phrases

C'est les soldes !

— An exclamation used to announce that the sales period has begun. It's often heard in advertisements.

Regarde la vitrine, c'est les soldes !

Tout à -50% pendant les soldes

— A common marketing phrase indicating a half-price discount on everything during the sale.

Le magasin affiche : Tout à -50% pendant les soldes !

Jusqu'à épuisement des stocks

— A phrase meaning 'while stocks last', often seen during sales to indicate limited availability.

Les soldes continuent jusqu'à épuisement des stocks.

Dernière démarque

— Refers to the final and usually biggest discounts offered at the end of the sales period.

C'est la dernière démarque, tout est à prix cassé.

Faire de bonnes affaires

— To find great deals or bargains, which is the main goal of shopping in the sales.

J'espère faire de bonnes affaires aux soldes cette année.

Ni repris ni échangé

— A policy often applied to sale items meaning they cannot be returned or exchanged.

Attention, les articles en soldes sont souvent ni repris ni échangés.

Le coup d'envoi des soldes

— The kickoff or start of the sales period, often used in news reporting.

Le coup d'envoi des soldes sera donné demain à 8 heures.

Repérer avant les soldes

— The act of browsing stores before the sales start to decide what to buy once the prices drop.

Je vais repérer quelques vestes avant les soldes.

Soldes monstres

— An informal way to describe huge or 'monster' sales with massive discounts.

Il y a des soldes monstres dans le magasin de sport.

Attendre les soldes

— To delay a purchase specifically to wait for the sales period for a better price.

Je vais attendre les soldes pour m'acheter un nouvel ordinateur.

Often Confused With

soldes vs Le solde

Masculine singular. Means the balance of an account. 'Le solde de mon compte est positif.'

soldes vs La solde

Feminine singular. Means a soldier's pay or salary. 'Le militaire reçoit sa solde à la fin du mois.'

soldes vs Promo/Promotion

Feminine. General discount at any time. 'Il y a une promo sur les yaourts.'

Idioms & Expressions

"Être en solde"

— To be at a reduced price, but can also metaphorically mean being cheap or of low value in some contexts.

Son honneur n'est pas en solde.

Metaphorical

"Faire les soldes"

— To go on a shopping spree during the sales period.

Elle a passé toute la journée à faire les soldes.

Common

"Prix cassés"

— Prices that have been slashed or broken down significantly, common during sales.

On trouve des téléphones à prix cassés pendant les soldes.

Informal

"Brader les prix"

— To drop prices significantly, often to clear out stock quickly.

Le magasin brade les prix avant les soldes d'hiver.

Neutral

"Solder un compte"

— To settle or close a financial account (uses the singular 'solde').

Il a dû solder son compte avant de partir à l'étranger.

Formal

"Vendre à perte"

— To sell at a loss, which is only legal for retailers during the 'soldes'.

Pendant les soldes, ils ont le droit de vendre à perte.

Legal/Technical

"Faire une razzia"

— To go on a shopping raid, buying everything in sight, often used during sales.

Elle a fait une razzia au rayon chaussures pendant les soldes.

Informal

"Se ruer sur"

— To rush or swarm toward something, describing the behavior of crowds when sales start.

Les clients se sont rués sur les télévisions en solde.

Neutral

"Liquider le stock"

— To clear out the inventory completely.

L'objectif des soldes est de liquider le stock de la saison passée.

Commercial

"Sacrifier les prix"

— To 'sacrifice' prices, meaning to lower them drastically.

Pour les derniers jours des soldes, ils sacrifient les prix.

Marketing

Easily Confused

soldes vs Rabais

Both refer to price reductions.

A 'rabais' is usually a reduction given because of a problem with the product or a specific gesture. 'Soldes' are seasonal clearances.

J'ai eu un rabais parce que le pull était abîmé.

soldes vs Remise

Both are discounts.

A 'remise' is often a commercial discount for loyalty or bulk buying. 'Soldes' are for everyone.

Le fournisseur m'a fait une remise de 10%.

soldes vs Vente

English 'Sale' can mean both 'a sale' and 'selling'.

'Vente' is the act of selling. 'Soldes' is specifically the discounted period.

La vente de cet immeuble a pris du temps.

soldes vs Liquidation

Both involve clearing stock.

'Liquidation' is used for closing a business permanently. 'Soldes' are recurring seasonal events.

Le magasin est en liquidation totale avant fermeture.

soldes vs Braderie

Both are bargain events.

'Braderie' is usually a local, often outdoor market event. 'Soldes' are national and store-based.

Nous sommes allés à la braderie de Lille.

Sentence Patterns

J'aime [les soldes].

J'aime les soldes.

Je vais faire [les soldes] [temps].

Je vais faire les soldes demain.

J'attends [les soldes] pour [verbe].

J'attends les soldes pour acheter un manteau.

Il faut profiter [des soldes] car [raison].

Il faut profiter des soldes car les prix sont bas.

Malgré [les soldes], [phrase].

Malgré les soldes, je n'ai rien trouvé.

Le rituel [des soldes] témoigne de [concept].

Le rituel des soldes témoigne de notre société de consommation.

Any

C'est [les soldes] !

C'est les soldes !

Any

Est-ce que c'est [en solde] ?

Est-ce que c'est en solde ?

Word Family

Nouns

Solde (masculine singular: balance)

Solde (feminine singular: military pay)

Solderie (a shop that sells discounted items year-round)

Verbs

Solder (to sell at a discount, or to settle an account)

Adjectives

Soldé (discounted)

Insolvable (unable to pay, related to the root of settling accounts)

Solvabilité

Vente

Achat

Commerce

Rabais

How to Use It

frequency

Very high during January and July; low during the rest of the year.

Common Mistakes

Using 'la solde' for shopping. → Les soldes (masculine plural).
As discussed, 'la solde' is feminine and means a soldier's pay. Always use the masculine plural for retail sales.
Saying 'Je vais aux soldes'. → Je vais faire les soldes.
While 'aller aux soldes' is understandable, 'faire les soldes' is the standard idiomatic expression used by native speakers.
Pronouncing the 's' at the end. → Soldes (silent 's').
In French, final consonants like 's' are usually silent. Pronouncing it makes the word sound like 'sol-dess', which is incorrect.
Using 'soldes' for a food promotion. → Promotion or Promo.
'Soldes' is almost exclusively used for seasonal retail like clothes, furniture, or tech. Food discounts are called 'promotions'.
Confusing 'en solde' with 'à vendre'. → En solde (discounted) / À vendre (for sale).
In English, 'on sale' can mean 'available to buy'. In French, 'en solde' only means 'at a discount'. Use 'à vendre' for availability.

Tips

Remember the gender

Always think of 'un solde' (masculine). Even though you almost always see it in the plural 'les soldes', knowing it's masculine will help you use the correct adjectives like 'beaux' or 'grands'.

Learn the phrase

Memorize 'faire les soldes'. It's the most natural way to say you're going sales shopping. Using 'faire' makes you sound much more like a native speaker than using 'aller'.

Check the dates

If you are visiting France, look up the official dates for 'les soldes' on the government website (service-public.fr). They change slightly every year and can differ by region.

Wait for the markdowns

If you see something you like but it's only 20% off, wait for the 'deuxième' or 'troisième démarque'. The price will likely drop significantly if the item doesn't sell out.

Silent endings

Don't pronounce the 'es' at the end of 'soldes'. It should sound like 'sold'. Pronouncing the ending is a clear sign of an English-speaking accent.

Know your rights

Even in 'soldes', a product must be safe and functional. If it's broken, the 'ni repris ni échangé' rule doesn't apply to the legal guarantee against defects.

Bank vs Shopping

If you see 'solde' on an ATM screen, don't get excited about a sale. It just means your account balance. This is a classic 'faux ami' context trap.

Adjective agreement

When writing, ensure your adjectives are masculine plural. Example: 'Les soldes sont finis' (not finies). This is a high-level grammar point that examiners look for.

Liaison alert

In the phrase 'les soldes d'hiver', you might hear a slight 'z' sound between 'les' and 'soldes' and a 'd' sound connecting 'soldes' and 'hiver'. This is normal French flow.

Repérage

Use the word 'repérage' when you go to stores a week before the sales start. It's the local term for 'window shopping with intent to buy later'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of the English word 'SOLD'. During the 'SOLDES', everything must be 'SOLD' quickly! Just add an 'e' and an 's' for the French version.

Visual Association

Imagine a giant red tag with the word 'SOLDES' written in white, hanging from a designer jacket that you've always wanted.

Word Web

Magasin Prix Réduction Hiver Été Vêtements Argent Affaire

Challenge

Try to find three items in your house and say out loud in French if you bought them 'pendant les soldes' or 'plein tarif'.

Word Origin

The word 'solde' comes from the Italian 'soldo' and the Latin 'solidus', which was a gold coin. In French, it originally referred to the payment given to soldiers (which is why 'la solde' still means military pay).

Original meaning: A piece of money or a payment.

Romance (Latin root).

Cultural Context

Be aware that during the sales, shops can be extremely crowded and stressful. It's not the best time for a relaxed shopping experience.

In the US or UK, sales happen anytime (Boxing Day, Black Friday, etc.). In France, the 'soldes' are a specific, state-sanctioned event.

The 'Braderie de Lille' is the largest flea market/sale event in Europe. The film 'Confessions d'une accro au shopping' (Confessions of a Shopaholic) captures the spirit of the sales frenzy. Zola's novel 'Au Bonheur des Dames' describes the birth of modern department stores and the first big sales events in Paris.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Shopping for clothes

Est-ce que c'est soldé ?
Je cherche ma taille en solde.
C'est la deuxième démarque ?
Où est le rayon des soldes ?

Talking with friends

Tu as fait les soldes ?
J'ai trouvé une super affaire !
Il y avait trop de monde.
C'est quand la fin des soldes ?

News and Media

Le coup d'envoi des soldes.
Un bilan mitigé pour les soldes.
Les dates officielles des soldes.
La ruée vers les magasins.

Online Shopping

Soldes exclusivement sur le web.
Livraison gratuite pendant les soldes.
Ajouter au panier (en solde).
Code promo cumulable avec les soldes.

Customer Service

L'article n'est ni repris ni échangé.
La réduction s'applique en caisse.
C'est notre dernier article en solde.
Les soldes ne concernent pas la nouvelle collection.

Conversation Starters

"Est-ce que tu as prévu de faire les soldes cette année ou tu préfères éviter la foule ?"

"Quelle est la meilleure affaire que tu as jamais faite pendant les soldes d'hiver ?"

"Est-ce que tu penses que les soldes valent encore le coup avec l'arrivée du Black Friday ?"

"Préfères-tu faire les soldes en magasin pour essayer les vêtements ou tranquillement sur internet ?"

"Y a-t-il un article spécifique que tu attends de voir en solde avant de l'acheter ?"

Journal Prompts

Décrivez votre expérience la plus mémorable pendant les soldes. Était-ce une réussite ou un désastre ?

Pensez-vous que la régulation des soldes par l'État est une bonne chose pour les petits commerçants ?

Comment vos habitudes de consommation changent-elles pendant la période des soldes ?

Réfléchissez à l'impact environnemental des soldes et de la fast-fashion dans notre société actuelle.

Imaginez que vous avez un budget illimité pour les soldes d'été. Quels magasins visiteriez-vous et pourquoi ?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, when referring to the sales event or the discounted items collectively, 'soldes' is always plural and masculine. For example, 'Les soldes sont arrivés'. If you use it in the singular, it changes meaning to a bank balance or military pay.

The dates are fixed by law. The winter sales usually start on the second Wednesday of January at 8 AM. The summer sales usually start on the last Wednesday of June. These dates can vary slightly in certain departments like those near the border.

Both are commonly used and understood. Technically, 'en solde' (singular) refers to an item being at a reduced price, while 'en soldes' (plural) refers to it being part of the sales event. Most people use them interchangeably in casual speech.

Shops often display 'Ni repris, ni échangé' (neither returned nor exchanged) during sales. However, if the item has a hidden defect (vice caché), the legal guarantee still applies regardless of the sale status. Check the store's specific policy.

A 'démarque' is a markdown. During the four weeks of sales, stores usually have three or four markdowns. The 'première démarque' is the start, and the 'dernière démarque' offers the biggest discounts, often 70% or more.

It is masculine. This is a very common mistake because it ends in 'e'. You must say 'des soldes exceptionnels' (masculine) and not 'exceptionnelles' (feminine).

'Soldes' are seasonal clearances regulated by law where stores can sell at a loss. 'Promotions' can happen anytime, are not necessarily clearances, and stores cannot legally sell at a loss during a simple promotion.

Some do, but many high-end luxury brands (like Louis Vuitton or Hermès) famously never have 'soldes' to maintain their brand's exclusivity and value. They may have private sales for employees or VIPs instead.

No, the legal dates apply to both physical stores and e-commerce websites based in France. However, online sales often start at midnight on the first day, while physical stores wait until their normal opening hours.

It's important because of the strict legal framework. It creates a massive national event that everyone participates in at the same time, unlike the constant, year-round sales seen in other countries.