en ce moment
/ɑ̃ s(ə) mɔ.mɑ̃/
The English phrase "at this time" is translated into French as en ce moment.
En ce moment is used to refer to the present moment or the current period of time. It is commonly used to describe an ongoing action or a continuous state occurring currently.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase en ce moment literally translates to "in this moment".
Which one should you use?
While en ce moment refers to the present, the phrase à ce moment-là is used to refer to a specific point in the past or future (at that time).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In certain regions such as Quebec, Canada, the informal contraction À c't'heure is used, which is a contraction of à cette heure.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase en ce moment is flexible in its placement. It can be placed at the beginning or the end of a sentence to set the temporal context.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɑ̃ s(ə) mɔ.mɑ̃/
Did you know?
- In very formal or literary French, the concept of 'at this time' can be expressed using actuellement, but this is a false friend for English speakers because it does not mean 'actually'.
- The word moment traces back to the Latin 'momentum', which originally described a small weight or the movement of a scale. This explains why the word carries a sense of a specific, shifting point in time.
Examples in context
- La solidarité est de mise en ce moment.Solidarity is essential at this time.This sentence shows how to use en ce moment to express that solidarity is currently essential.Tatoeba #8705650 by Massi, translation #8705651 by Massi
- En ce moment, je lis un roman d'aventure.At this time, I am reading an action novel.This sentence demonstrates using en ce moment at the start of a sentence to describe an ongoing activity.Tatoeba #1482583 by sacredceltic, translation #1738577 by belgavox
- En ce moment, il n'y a pas d'endroit plus sûr qu'ici.At this time, there's no safer place to be than right here.This sentence shows the placement of en ce moment at the beginning of a sentence to provide temporal context.Tatoeba #6937040 by Aiji, translation #3238999 by CK
- Nous sommes en attente de votre réponse en ce moment.We are awaiting your response at this time.
- À présent, je vais vous montrer le document.At this time, I will show you the document.
- On est chez Léa en ce moment précis.We're at Léa's place right now.
- J'habite actuellement à Paris.I currently live in Paris.
- Je te vois maintenant !I see you now!
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gabriel and Léa are talking about their current workload.
- GabrielEst-ce que tu es libre en ce moment ?Are you free at this time?
- LéaNon, j'ai beaucoup de travail aujourd'hui.No, I have a lot of work today.
- GabrielC'est dommage, j'avais besoin d'aide.That's a shame, I needed help.
- LéaJe peux t'aider demain, Gabriel.I can help you tomorrow, Gabriel.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry en ce moment, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ce, en, moment, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
