Why Does Aujourd’hui Have An Apostrophe?

Imagine you're in a bustling Parisian café, savoring a warm croissant and sipping a café au lait. As you glance at the newspaper, you notice the word "aujourd'hui" with an apostrophe. You wonder, "Why does aujourd'hui have an apostrophe?" Well, let's embark on a linguistic journey to uncover the intriguing story behind this grammatical peculiarity.

1. The Origins of Aujourd'hui

The word "aujourd'hui" is derived from the Old French phrase "au jour d'hui," which literally means "on the day of today." This phrase evolved over time, with the preposition "au" becoming "à" and the definite article "le" becoming "l'." The apostrophe in "aujourd'hui" is a remnant of the elided "d" from "d'hui," which was originally pronounced as a separate syllable.

2. The Function of the Apostrophe

In modern French, the apostrophe serves several grammatical functions. In the case of "aujourd'hui," the apostrophe indicates that two words have been contracted into one. This elision, or omission of a sound, is a common feature of the French language and can occur with various prepositions and definite articles.

3. The Apostrophe as a Linguistic Marker

The apostrophe in "aujourd'hui" is not merely a grammatical quirk; it also carries historical and linguistic significance. It serves as a reminder of the word's evolution from a two-word phrase to a single, cohesive unit. Additionally, the apostrophe helps to distinguish "aujourd'hui" from other homographs, such as "au jour" (on the day) and "à jour" (up-to-date).

4. The Plural Form of Aujourd'hui

When referring to multiple days, "aujourd'hui" takes the plural form "aujourd'huis." However, the apostrophe is retained, even though the "d" is no longer elided. This is because the apostrophe has become an integral part of the word, signifying its unique identity as an adverb of time.

5. The Use of Aujourd'hui in Everyday French

"Aujourd'hui" is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts in everyday French. It can be employed:

• To indicate the current day: "Aujourd'hui, je vais au cinéma" (Today, I'm going to the cinema).

• To refer to the present time: "Il est aujourd'hui l'un des acteurs les plus populaires" (He is one of the most popular actors today).

• As a time frame: "Aujourd'hui ou demain, nous partirons en voyage" (Today or tomorrow, we'll go on a trip).

• In expressions and idioms: "Dès aujourd'hui, je vais changer ma vie" (Starting today, I'm going to change my life).

Conclusion

The apostrophe in "aujourd'hui" is a linguistic vestige that offers a glimpse into the word's etymological roots. It serves as a grammatical marker, distinguishing "aujourd'hui" from similar-sounding words and indicating the elision of a sound. Moreover, the apostrophe adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to this everyday French word.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why does "aujourd'hui" have an apostrophe, while other words like "demain" (tomorrow) and "hier" (yesterday) do not?

"Aujourd'hui" is derived from a two-word phrase, "au jour d'hui," where the "d" was elided, leaving behind the apostrophe. "Demain" and "hier" do not have similar etymological origins, so they do not require an apostrophe.

2. Is it always necessary to use an apostrophe in "aujourd'hui"?

Yes, the apostrophe is an integral part of the word "aujourd'hui" and should always be used, regardless of the context.

3. How do I pronounce "aujourd'hui" correctly?

The "j" in "aujourd'hui" is pronounced as a soft "g," similar to the "j" in "gem." The apostrophe does not affect the pronunciation of the word.

4. Can "aujourd'hui" be used in formal writing?

Absolutely! "Aujourd'hui" is a standard French word that can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

5. Are there any other French words that use an apostrophe?

Yes, there are a handful of other French words that use an apostrophe, such as "après-midi" (afternoon), "ci-dessous" (below), and "là-bas" (over there).