The French phrase "sans jour" which means "without a day" is spelled as /sɑ̃ ʒuʁ/. The letter "s" is pronounced as a nasalized "ah" sound /sɑ̃/ followed by the consonant "j" pronounced as the French soft "j" or "zh" sound /ʒ/. The second syllable is pronounced with a rolled "r" sound /ʁ/ and the ending is pronounced as the French "oo" sound written as "u" /uʁ/. This pronunciation guide will help with accurately communicating this commonly used French phrase.
"Sans jour" is a French phrase that translates to "without daylight" in English. It is derived from the two words "sans," meaning without, and "jour," meaning day or daylight. "Sans jour" can be used as an adjective or an adverb to describe a place, situation, or object that lacks natural light or illumination.
In a literal sense, "sans jour" can refer to a room, building, or any other enclosed space that does not have windows or any sources of natural light. This could include underground areas, cellars, or storage spaces. "Sans jour" can also be used figuratively to describe a gloomy, dim, or dark environment, such as an emotionally or psychologically oppressive atmosphere.
In a metaphorical sense, "sans jour" can also describe a situation or context in which something is hidden or concealed, lacking transparency or clarity. It suggests a lack of enlightenment, knowledge, or understanding. For example, one might say, "Je me sens sans jour dans cette situation," meaning, "I feel in the dark about this situation."
Overall, "sans jour" represents the absence or deprivation of daylight, either in a literal or metaphorical sense, conveying a sense of darkness, obscurity, or lack of clarity.
The phrase sans jour originates from the French language. Sans means without, and jour translates to day in English. Therefore, sans jour literally means without day or dayless.