Vacance vs. vacances
While the French words vacance and vacances are separated by only a single letter s, they have entirely different meanings and are not interchangeable. One refers to an empty position, while the other refers to holidays.
Vacance
B2The singular noun vacance (feminine) refers to a vacancy. It signifies an unoccupied position, post, or office, often in a professional, administrative, or political context. It denotes a state of being empty or available.
Il y a une vacance de poste au département marketing.
(There is a job vacancy in the marketing department.)
La vacance du pouvoir a duré plusieurs mois après la démission du président.
(The power vacuum lasted for several months after the president's resignation.)
Cette chaire d'université est en vacance depuis le départ du professeur.
(This university chair has been vacant since the professor's departure.)
Le juge a déclaré la vacance de la succession, faute d'héritier connu.
(The judge declared the estate vacant, for lack of a known heir.)
La décision a été prise durant la vacance de la direction.
(The decision was made during the vacancy of the management position.)
Vacances
A1The plural noun vacances (feminine) is the standard word for vacation or holidays. It refers to a period of rest, leisure, and travel, away from one's usual obligations like work or school. It is almost always used in the plural form for this meaning.
Nous partons en vacances à la mer cet été.
(We are going on vacation to the seaside this summer.)
Les enfants attendent avec impatience les grandes vacances.
(The children are eagerly awaiting the long summer vacation.)
J'ai besoin de prendre des vacances, je suis épuisé.
(I need to take a vacation, I am exhausted.)
Que fais-tu pendant les vacances de Noël ?
(What are you doing during the Christmas holidays?)
Elle a passé de merveilleuses vacances en Espagne.
(She had a wonderful vacation in Spain.)
Bonnes vacances à tous !
(Have a good vacation everyone!)
Summary
In summary, the key difference lies in number and meaning. Use the singular vacance for a specific, singular vacancy or an empty post (a job opening, a power vacuum). Use the plural vacances for the general concept of vacation, holidays, or a break from routine. Think of it this way: vacance is about an empty space, while vacances is about filling your time with leisure.