en train de faire
The English word 'doing' is translated into French as en train de faire.
The phrase en train de faire is used to describe an action that is currently in progress.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase en train de faire literally means 'in the process of' or 'in the train of'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase en train de faire is used to express the continuous aspect to emphasize that an action is in progress.
Did you know?
- The word train in this phrase does not refer to a locomotive, but to the act of dragging or pulling something. It comes from the Old French verb trahiner, describing being pulled along by a process.
- You can use this structure with almost any verb to create an 'in the middle of' effect. For example, en train de manger means 'in the middle of eating'.
- The word en functions here like a preposition of location, almost as if the person is 'inside' the motion of the act itself.
Examples in context
- Qu'es-tu en train de faire ?What are you doing?This sentence is useful for asking 'What are you doing?' using en train de faire.Tatoeba #844131 by sacredceltic, translation #16492 by CK
- Qu'étais-tu en train de faire ?What were you doing?This sentence is useful for asking 'What were you doing?' using en train de faire.Tatoeba #1370887 by sacredceltic, translation #376075 by megamanenm
- Qu'êtes-vous en train de faire ?What're you doing?This sentence is useful for asking 'What're you doing?' using en train de faire.Tatoeba #1847503 by sacredceltic, translation #1839618 by CK
- Je fais mes devoirs.I am doing my homework.
- J'effectue des recherches.I am doing research.
- Elle effectue une analyse approfondie.She is conducting a thorough analysis.
- Nous exécutons les directives du directeur.We are carrying out the director's instructions.
- Il exécute les tâches avec précision.He performs tasks with precision.
- Je suis en train de manger.I'm eating.
- Ils sont en train de regarder la télévision.They are watching TV.
- J'bosse sur un projet.I'm working on a project.
- On bosse ensemble demain.We're working together tomorrow.
- 141 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nathan walks into the kitchen and sees Emma cooking.
- NathanQu'est-ce que tu es en train de faire ?What are you doing?
- EmmaJe suis en train de faire un gâteau.I am making a cake.
- NathanC'est pour quelle occasion ?What is the occasion?
- EmmaC'est pour ton anniversaire, Nathan !It is for your birthday, Nathan!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, en, faire, train, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
