différents types de temps
The English phrase "different types of weather" is translated into French as différents types de temps.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of différents (different), types (types), de (of) and temps (weather/time).
How does it change in a sentence?
In this specific phrase, the word temps is always used in the singular form to mean 'weather', even though it can also mean 'time'.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use météo as a noun for 'weather' in general contexts. However, météo specifically refers to the weather forecast or the science of meteorology.
Did you know?
- The word temps shares the same root as the English word 'tempo', which refers to the speed of a piece of music.
- Because temps can mean both 'time' and 'weather', a phrase like quel temps ? could technically be an ambiguous question meaning either 'what weather?' or 'what time?'
- The word temps shares the same Latin ancestor, 'tempus', as the English word 'temporal', which relates to time rather than the atmosphere.
Example conversation
Hugo and Léa are talking about their upcoming trip.
- HugoQuels vêtements devons-nous emporter ?What clothes should we bring?
- LéaPrépare-toi à différents types de temps.Prepare yourself for different types of weather.
- HugoEst-ce qu'il va pleuvoir là-bas ?Is it going to rain there?
- LéaC'est possible, c'est très variable.It's possible, it's very variable.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, temps, CC BY-SA 4.0.
