Bonjour! If you’re looking to expand your French vocabulary, mastering the word “before” is a great place to start. In this guide, you’ll learn how to express the concept of “before” in both formal and informal settings. We’ll also explore some regional variations as necessary, and provide numerous tips and examples along the way. So let’s jump right in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Before”
When you find yourself in a formal setting or dealing with people you should address with respect, such as older individuals, authority figures, or in professional settings, you can use the following expressions:
1. Avant
The most common and versatile term for “before” in French is “avant.” It can be used in various contexts and is suitable for both spoken and written language. Let’s take a look at some examples:
“Je dois partir avant 8 heures.”
(I have to leave before 8 o’clock.)“L’étudiant a fini son examen avant la fin du temps imparti.”
(The student finished his exam before the deadline.)
2. Précédemment
“Précédemment” is a more formal alternative to “avant” that can be used to convey the idea of “previously” or “earlier.” It is often used in written texts, particularly in academic or professional contexts:
“Le rapport a été discuté précédemment lors de la réunion.”
(The report was discussed before at the meeting.)“Il avait déjà reçu des instructions précédemment.”
(He had already received instructions earlier.)
Informal Ways to Say “Before”
If you’re among friends, family, or in a casual setting, there are more relaxed and colloquial ways to express “before” in French. Let’s discover some of them:
1. Avant que
“Avant que” is a common informal phrase that is often used in spoken French to mean “before” followed by a verb in the subjunctive mood:
“Viens me voir avant qu’il ne parte!”
(Come see me before he leaves!)“Il faut ranger la cuisine avant que maman ne rentre.”
(We need to tidy the kitchen before mom gets back.)
2. Avant de
Similar to “avant que,” “avant de” is another informal expression used before a verb. It roughly translates to “before doing” something:
“Je vais prendre une douche avant de sortir.”
(I am going to take a shower before going out.)“Attends un instant avant de réagir.”
(Wait a moment before reacting.)
Regional Variations
While French is primarily spoken in France, it’s important to note that regional variations exist. Let’s look at a few examples:
1. Avant-hier
In some francophone regions, notably France, Belgium, and Switzerland, “avant-hier” can be used as a specific term for “the day before yesterday.” This phrase is not commonly used in informal speech, but you may come across it in written texts or formal contexts:
“Il est arrivé avant-hier matin.”
(He arrived the day before yesterday morning.)“J’ai rencontré Jeanne avant-hier soir.”
(I met Jeanne the day before yesterday evening.)
2. Devant
In some regions, particularly in Canada, “devant” can be used to express “before” in certain contexts, although it primarily means “in front of.” This usage can be heard in informal conversations:
“On va passer te prendre chez toi, mais devant 18h!”
(We’ll pick you up at your place, but before 6 p.m.!)“Je dois finir cet article devant la fin de la semaine.”
(I need to finish this article before the end of the week.)
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve now learned multiple ways to say “before” in French, both formally and informally. Remember to use “avant” in most situations, “précédemment” for a more formal touch, “avant que” when discussing an action in the subjunctive mood, and “avant de” when referring to doing something. Additionally, regional variations such as “avant-hier” and “devant” are useful to know if you encounter them.
Continue practicing these phrases in different contexts to strengthen your French language skills. With time and dedication, you’ll become a master of expressing “before” in French!
