Et puis
The English phrase 'and then' can be translated into French as Et puis.
Et puis is a phrase used to introduce the next event in a sequence or to add another point to a list. It can also be used in the idiomatic expression Et puis quoi encore ?, which is a common way to express exasperation, similar to saying 'And what else?' or 'What's next?' in English.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase consists of the word et, which means 'and' and puis, which means 'then' or 'afterwards'.
Which one should you use?
While Et puis is used to transition between actions in a sequence, the phrase et après is more commonly used when one wants to emphasize a temporal gap or when the phrase follows a specific noun.
Did you know?
- While Et puis means 'and then', the word puis shares a linguistic ancestor with the Latin verb 'posse', which means 'to be able to'.
- The expression Et puis quoi encore ? is often accompanied by a shrug or an upward flick of the chin to emphasize a feeling of being overwhelmed by requests.
- Depending on the context, using et puis repeatedly in a story can be a sign of childhood speech or a stylistic choice to mimic a spontaneous, rambling narrative.
Examples in context
- J'y pense et puis j'oublie.I think that, and then I forget.This sentence is useful for showing how to transition between two different actions with Et puis.Tatoeba #1478089 by martin9, translation #3803497 by maydoo
- Eh ben voyons ! Et puis quoi encore ?Well, let's see! And then, what next?This sentence demonstrates how to use Et puis to express exasperation.Tatoeba #2379033 by sacredceltic, translation #5822721 by PaulHat
- Inspire profondément et puis relâche-toi.Take a deep breath and then relax.This sentence shows how to use Et puis to guide someone through a sequence of physical actions.Tatoeba #801208 by U2FS, translation #269508 by CK
- Elle a fini son travail, ensuite elle est allée au supermarché.She finished her work, and then she went to the supermarket.
- Nous avons préparé le rapport, puis nous l'avons présenté lors de la réunion.We prepared the report, and then we presented it at the meeting.
- Je suis allé chez Claire, et puis nous avons regardé un film ensemble.I went to Claire's place, and then we watched a movie together.
- 37 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hugo and Chloé are discussing their plans for the weekend.
- HugoOn va au cinéma, et puis on dîne ?We'll go to the cinema, and then we'll have dinner?
- ChloéOui, c'est une bonne idée.Yes, that is a good idea.
- HugoEt puis, on pourra marcher un peu.And then, we can walk a little.
- ChloéD'accord, je suis partante !Okay, I'm in!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries et, puis, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
