Looking to expand your French vocabulary with the word “during”? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore various ways to express “during” in French, both formally and informally. Additionally, we’ll provide useful tips and examples to help you master this versatile word. Let’s delve into the different ways to say “during” in French!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “During” in French
If you’re aiming for a more formal expression of “during,” consider the following options:
1. Pendant
The most common and versatile word for “during” in formal French is “pendant.” It can be used in various contexts and is generally well-understood throughout the French-speaking world. Some examples include:
Example 1: Pendant la réunion, nous avons discuté des résultats. (During the meeting, we discussed the results.)
Example 2: Je lisais un livre pendant que la pluie tombait. (I was reading a book while it was raining.)
2. Durant
“Durant” is another formal equivalent of “during” in French. While slightly less common than “pendant,” it is still widely used in formal settings:
Example 3: Durant l’événement, de nombreux invités sont arrivés. (During the event, many guests arrived.)
Example 4: Les enfants ont été sages durant tout le voyage. (The children were well-behaved throughout the entire trip.)
Informal Ways to Say “During” in French
When it comes to informal situations, French speakers often opt for the following expressions:
1. Pendant
Just like in formal contexts, “pendant” can also be used in informal conversations. It seamlessly transitions between formal and informal language:
Example 5: Pendant la fête, on a dansé toute la nuit ! (During the party, we danced all night long!)
Example 6: J’ai appris beaucoup de choses pendant mon voyage à Paris. (I learned a lot of things during my trip to Paris.)
2. En
In informal French, “en” is a popular alternative for expressing “during.” It is particularly common in spoken language and among native French speakers:
Example 7: J’ai rencontré Pierre en visitant Londres. (I met Pierre while visiting London.)
Example 8: En bossant sur ce projet, j’ai découvert de nouvelles compétences. (While working on this project, I discovered new skills.)
Tips for Using “During” in French
Now that you’re familiar with the formal and informal ways to say “during” in French, let’s explore some tips for using the word effectively:
1. Pay Attention to Verb Conjugation
When you use “pendant” or “durant” followed by a verb, make sure to use the correct verb form. In French, the verb form changes depending on the subject and tense:
Example 9: Pendant que je travaillais, elle lisait. (While I was working, she was reading.)
Example 10: Durant mon séjour, j’ai rencontré de nombreuses personnes intéressantes. (During my stay, I met many interesting people.)
2. Familiarize Yourself with Idiomatic Expressions
French, like any language, includes idiomatic expressions that use the word “during.” Learning and using these expressions will help you sound more fluent and natural:
Example 11: Pendant ce temps-là – Meanwhile
Example 12: Pendant qu’il y est – While he’s at it
3. Practice Using “During” in Context
To truly master the usage of “during” in French, practice using it in different contexts. Engage in conversations, write sentences, and listen to native speakers to develop your intuition and fluency.
Conclusion
Congratulations on completing this comprehensive guide on how to say “during” in French! You’ve learned the formal and informal ways to express this word, along with various tips and examples to enhance your understanding. Remember to adapt your choice of words based on the context, whether formal or informal. Continue practicing, and soon you’ll be using “during” in French naturally and confidently. Bonne chance!
