en ce moment
/ɑ̃ s(ə) mɔ.mɑ̃/
The English phrase "at the moment" can be translated into French as en ce moment. Wiktionary also lists pour le moment and pour l'instant.
Meaning: right now (prep_phrase)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA |
|---|---|
| en ce moment | /ɑ̃ s(ə) mɔ.mɑ̃/ |
| pour le moment | /puʁ lə mɔ.mɑ̃/ |
| pour l'instant | /puʁ l‿ɛ̃s.tɑ̃/ |
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase en ce moment literally translates to "in this moment", while pour le moment literally translates to "for the moment".
Which one should you use?
en ce moment is used to describe a current state or a period of time that is currently happening, similar to 'currently'. In contrast, pour le moment implies a temporary state that is expected to change, similar to 'for the time being'. pour l'instant is a synonym for pour le moment and is often used to emphasize that a situation is temporary.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɑ̃ s(ə) mɔ.mɑ̃/
Did you know?
- The word moment comes from the Latin 'mōmentum', which originally referred to the smallest possible movement of a balance scale.
- French speakers often use en ce moment to describe broader life phases, such as 'these days' or 'this year', not just the immediate second.
- In fast spoken French, the 'e' in ce is often dropped, making en ce moment sound like en s'moment.
Examples in context
- Es-tu seule, pour le moment ?Are you alone at the moment?This sentence is useful for asking if someone is alone using pour le moment.Tatoeba #3354647 by Rovo, translation #11917816 by sundown
- Es-tu en forme en ce moment ?Are you in shape at the moment?This sentence is useful for asking about someone's physical condition using en ce moment.Tatoeba #9164014 by Julien_PDC, translation #13855358 by tieguy
- Je suis occupé pour le moment.I'm busy at the moment.This sentence is useful for stating that one is busy using pour le moment.Tatoeba #355650 by Barbiche0, translation #40152 by CK
- La situation économique est préoccupante à l'heure actuelle.The economic situation is concerning at the moment.
- En ce moment, nous travaillons sur un projet très important.At the moment, we are working on a very important project.
- Actuellement, nous examinons les possibilités d'expansion.Currently, we are exploring expansion possibilities.
- Je suis en train de te parler en ce moment même.I am speaking to you right at this moment.
- En ce moment-ci, je suis en vacances.At the moment, I am on vacation.
- Je suis occupé à présent.I am busy at the moment.
- 73 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Manon and Nathan are talking on the phone.
- ManonTu es libre en ce moment ?Are you free at the moment?
- NathanNon, je travaille encore.No, I am still working.
- ManonD'accord, je t'appelle plus tard.Okay, I will call you later.
- NathanÇa marche, à tout à l'heure !That works, see you later!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “at the moment” translations and entries en ce moment, pour le moment, pour l'instant, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ce, en, le, moment, pour, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
