15 French Time Expressions to Keep You on Schedule

Mastering time expressions is crucial for effective communication in French. Whether you're scheduling a meeting, making plans with friends, or simply asking for the time, these phrases will help you navigate daily life in French-speaking countries with ease.

Essential Time-Telling Phrases

"Quelle heure est-il?" - This fundamental question means "What time is it?" Use it when you need to check the time.

"Il est..." - Meaning "It is...", this phrase precedes the actual time. For example, "Il est deux heures" (It's two o'clock).

Discussing Parts of the Day

"Le matin" - Morning "L'après-midi" - Afternoon "Le soir" - Evening "La nuit" - Night

Use these to specify when an event occurs: "J'ai un rendez-vous le matin" (I have an appointment in the morning).

Useful Time Prepositions

"à" - at (used with specific times) "vers" - around "avant" - before "après" - after

Example: "Le train part à 14h30" (The train leaves at 2:30 PM).

Practical Time Expressions

"Tout de suite" - Right away "Dans une heure" - In an hour "Il y a dix minutes" - Ten minutes ago "D'ici demain" - By tomorrow

These phrases help you discuss immediate plans or recent events: "Je serai là dans une heure" (I'll be there in an hour).

Scheduling and Planning

"Quand" - When "Pendant" - During "Depuis" - Since "Jusqu'à" - Until

Use these to set time frames: "Je travaille depuis 8 heures ce matin" (I've been working since 8 AM this morning).

By incorporating these time expressions into your French vocabulary, you'll be better equipped to discuss schedules, make plans, and navigate daily life in French. Practice using them in context to solidify your understanding and improve your fluency.