tant que
/tɑ̃ kə/
The English phrase "as long as" can be translated into French using tant que, pendant que or tandis que depending on the context.
Meaning: while (conj)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA |
|---|---|
| tant que | /tɑ̃ kə/ |
| pendant que | /pɑ̃.dɑ̃ kə/ |
| tandis que | /tɑ̃.di kə/ /tɑ̃.dis kə/ |
The phrase is used to express either a continuous duration or a specific condition.
Which one should you use?
tant que is used to express a condition or a continuous duration. In contrast, pendant que focuses on two actions happening simultaneously.
How does it change in a sentence?
When tant que introduces a clause that refers to the future, the verb in that clause must be in the future tense.
How do you pronounce it?
/tɑ̃ kə/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using pendant que when you are trying to express a condition. This is a common error for English speakers.
Did you know?
- While tant que expresses a condition, the word tant alone is frequently used in the expression tant pis, meaning 'too bad'.
- The word tant in tant que comes from the Latin tantum, meaning 'so much'. This makes the phrase literally closer to 'as much as' than to a measurement of physical length.
- The phrase tant que can function almost like a mathematical limit. It focuses on the persistence of a state rather than just the simultaneous movement of two objects.
Examples in context
- Tant que tu seras là, je resterai.As long as you're here, I'll stay.This sentence shows how to use tant que to express a condition regarding being present.Tatoeba #564847 by sacredceltic, translation #18039 by CK
- Ça ira tant que je reste debout, non ?I'll be OK as long as I stay awake, won't I?This sentence demonstrates the use of tant que regarding staying awake.Tatoeba #4139909 by sacredceltic, translation #3730284 by CM
- Pas tant que tu vivras sous mon toit !Not as long as you live under my roof!This sentence shows how tant que functions within a conditional statement about living under a roof.Tatoeba #12494242 by lbdx, translation #3983832 by Hybrid
- Vous pouvez utiliser le matériel tant que vous en prenez soin.You can use the equipment as long as you take care of it.
- Vous pouvez partir à condition que vous terminiez votre travail à temps.You can leave as long as you finish your work on time.
- Tu peux utiliser ma voiture du moment que tu fais attention à ne pas l'abîmer.You can use my car as long as you're careful not to damage it.
- Pourvu qu'il fasse beau demain, nous pourrons aller à la plage.As long as the weather is nice tomorrow, we can go to the beach.
- 30 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nathan and Manon are talking about their pet dog at home.
- ManonLe chien dormira tant que tu seras calme.The dog will sleep as long as you are calm.
- NathanJe resterai silencieux pour lui.I will stay quiet for him.
- ManonMerci, Nathan, c'est très gentil.Thank you, Nathan, that is very kind.
- NathanIl est très mignon quand il dort.He is very cute when he sleeps.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “as long as” translations and entries tant que, pendant que, tandis que, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries que, tandis, tant, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
