Are you looking to expand your French vocabulary and enhance your conversational skills? Learning how to say “at this time” in French is an essential step towards achieving fluency. In this guide, we will explore both the formal and informal ways to express this phrase, while also providing useful tips, examples, and insights. Whether you’re planning a trip to a French-speaking country or simply want to improve your language skills, let’s dive into the diverse ways of saying “at this time” in French.
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Formal Ways to Say “At This Time” in French
When using formal language in French, it’s important to observe specific conventions. Here are some elegant and polite expressions to refer to “at this time”:
1. À cette heure-ci
This expression, “à cette heure-ci,” is frequently used in formal contexts to mean “at this time” or “at this hour.” It’s important to note that “ici” means “here,” so this phrase, when literally translated, means “at this hour here.”
Je suis disponible pour notre réunion à cette heure-ci.
(I am available for our meeting at this time.)
2. En ce moment
“En ce moment” is another common formal expression that means “at this time” or “at the moment.” It is a versatile phrase that can be used in various situations.
Nous sommes en attente de votre réponse en ce moment.
(We are awaiting your response at this time.)
3. À présent
If you want to convey the idea of “at this time” with a bit more emphasis, you can use the phrase “à présent.” This expression is slightly more formal and can be used in both spoken and written French.
À présent, je vais vous montrer le document.
(At this time, I will show you the document.)
Informal Ways to Say “At This Time” in French
Informal conversations in French offer a more relaxed atmosphere, and the expressions used reflect this context. Here are some informal phrases to express “at this time”:
1. En ce moment précis
While “en ce moment” can also be used informally, adding the word “précis” emphasizes the immediacy of the situation, making it a common expression among friends or colleagues.
On est chez Léa en ce moment précis.
(We’re at Léa’s place right now.)
2. Actuellement
The word “actuellement” is a versatile expression that can be used in both formal and informal speech. It conveys the meaning of “currently” or “at present.”
J’habite actuellement à Paris.
(I currently live in Paris.)
3. Maintenant
The informal expression “maintenant” is a simple and widely used term, meaning “now” or “at this time.”
Je te vois maintenant !
(I see you now!)
Regional Variations of “At This Time”
French is spoken in numerous countries, each with its own unique variations and regional expressions. While the formal and informal phrases mentioned above are widely understood across French-speaking regions, here are a couple of additional variations you may come across:
1. À c’t’heure
This informal expression is commonly used in spoken French in certain regions, such as Quebec, Canada. “À c’t’heure” is a contraction of “à cette heure,” making it a more colloquial and regional variant.
2. Présentement
In Canadian French, particularly in Quebec, “présentement” is used as an alternate expression for “at this time.” It is an informal term coined by the influence of English, equivalent to “presently” in English.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have now expanded your French vocabulary and learned multiple ways to express “at this time” in both formal and informal contexts. Remember to adapt your choice of expression to the situation and audience, choosing formal expressions for professional settings and informal ones for casual conversations. Don’t forget to practice using these phrases regularly to reinforce your language skills.
Whether it’s “à cette heure-ci,” “en ce moment,” or “actuellement,” each expression adds a unique touch to your French conversations and helps you connect with French speakers on a deeper level. Enjoy exploring the diverse linguistic landscape of French, and keep up the great work on your language learning journey!
