en train
The phrase en train is the French way to say "by train".
This phrase is used to describe traveling or sending something using a railway system.
How does it change in a sentence?
The preposition en is used here to indicate a mode of transport, and it does not require a definite article like le.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use par le train instead of en train when translating 'by train'.
Did you know?
- The phrase en train also means 'in the process of' doing something. For example, je suis en train de manger means 'I am in the middle of eating' rather than traveling by rail.
- In French, the expression en train is part of a larger pattern where transport modes you enter are preceded by en, while those you sit atop, like a bicycle or horse, use à.
- While en train means 'by train', the phrase un train d'enfer describes a train that is incredibly fast or a situation that is moving at a frantic pace.
Examples in context
- On y va en train.We are going by train.Tatoeba #10511529 by lbdx, translation #2706681 by CC
- Je suis venu en train.I came by train.Tatoeba #6000910 by sicerabibax, translation #5998313 by Hybrid
- J'y suis allé en train.I went there by train.Tatoeba #11236253 by lbdx, translation #3819106 by CK
- Je voyage en train pour me rendre à ParisI am traveling by train to get to Paris
- On va en train à la plageWe're going to the beach by train
- Demain, je vais à Lyon en train .Tomorrow, I'm going to Lyon by train.
- 66 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gabriel and Léa are planning their trip to the countryside.
- GabrielOn part en train ou en voiture ?Are we leaving by train or by car?
- LéaPartons en train, c'est plus rapide.Let's go by train, it's faster.
- GabrielD'accord, je réserve les billets.Okay, I'll book the tickets.
- LéaSuper, Gabriel, merci beaucoup.Great, Gabriel, thank you very much.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
