une autre fois
une autre fois is the French phrase for "another time".
The phrase une autre fois refers to a different occasion or a future time. It is often used as a polite way to decline an invitation or to postpone an activity without committing to a specific date.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of une (one/a), autre (other) and fois (time/occurrence).
Which one should you use?
While une autre fois refers to a different occasion in general, une prochaine fois is used when you are specifically referring to the very next opportunity.
How does it change in a sentence?
In this phrase, the word autre precedes the noun fois.
Did you know?
- In French, using une autre fois to decline an invitation can be so politely vague that the other person may understand you have no intention of ever meeting.
- The word fois comes from the Latin word vicem, which is the same root used for the English word 'vice versa'.
Examples in context
- Faisons cela une autre fois.Let's do it another time.This sentence shows how to suggest doing an action at a different time using une autre fois.Tatoeba #13442 by nimfeo, translation #32652 by CK
- Je reviendrai une autre fois.I'll come again another time.This sentence demonstrates using une autre fois to express the intention of returning at a different time.Tatoeba #6880100 by felix63, translation #6880200 by batsheep
- Je peux revenir une autre fois.I can come back another time.This sentence shows the ability to return at a different time using une autre fois.Tatoeba #5800789 by Toynop, translation #2300643 by CK
- Ce n'est pas grave, nous en parlerons une autre fois.That's alright, we will discuss it another time.
- Désolé, je ne peux pas ce soir. On ira une prochaine fois ?Sorry, I can't tonight. Shall we go another time?
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gabriel and Chloé are talking on the phone about meeting for coffee.
- GabrielOn se voit pour un café une autre fois ?Can we see each other for a coffee another time?
- ChloéOui, je suis trop occupée aujourd'hui.Yes, I am too busy today.
- GabrielPas de problème, Chloé.No problem, Chloé.
- ChloéOn se rappelle vite !We will talk again soon!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries autre, fois, une, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
