dès que possible
/dɛ k(ə) pɔ.sibl/
The English phrase 'asap' can be translated into French as dès que possible. Wiktionary also lists au plus vite.
Meaning: as soon as possible (adv)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA |
|---|---|
| dès que possible | /dɛ k(ə) pɔ.sibl/ |
| au plus vite | /o ply vit/ |
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase dès que possible is a literal translation where dès que means 'as soon as' and possible means 'possible'.
Which one should you use?
There is a subtle difference between the available forms: dès que possible emphasizes the earliest possible moment, whereas au plus vite emphasizes speed, meaning 'as fast as possible'.
Did you know?
- While dès que possible is common, French professionals often use the acronym ASAP in emails, pronouncing it as an English word or spelling it out letter by letter.
- In very formal French administration, you might see dans les meilleurs délais, which means 'within the best timeframes' instead of 'asap'.
- The word dès is derived from the Late Latin word dē ex, which helped evolve into a marker of immediate time.
Examples in context
- Veuillez envoyer le rapport aussitôt que possiblePlease send the report as soon as possible
- Merci de répondre dans les plus brefs délaisThank you for responding as soon as possible
- J'ai besoin d'une réponse immédiatementI need an immediate response
- On se voit au café tout de suiteLet's meet at the café right away
- Réponds-moi dès que possibleAnswer me as soon as possible
- Rappelle-moi illicoCall me back right away
- Je t'appellerai dès que possible.I will call you as soon as possible.
- Il faut envoyer le dossier dès que possible.The file must be sent as soon as possible.
- Répondez à ce mail dès que possible.Reply to this email as soon as possible.
Example conversation
Gabriel and Emma are at work discussing a project deadline.
- GabrielEst-ce que tu peux finir ce rapport dès que possible ?Can you finish this report as soon as possible?
- EmmaOui, je vais le faire dès que possible.Yes, I will do it as soon as possible.
- GabrielMerci, Emma, c'est très urgent.Thank you, Emma, it is very urgent.
- EmmaPas de problème, Gabriel, je m'en occupe.No problem, Gabriel, I'm on it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “asap” translations and entries dès que possible, au plus vite, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries dès, plus, possible, que, CC BY-SA 4.0.
