une demi-heure
The English phrase "half an hour" is translated into French as une demi-heure.
The phrase une demi-heure is used to denote a period of time lasting thirty minutes.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of une (a/one), demi (half) and heure (hour).
Which one should you use?
Use une demi-heure to specify a duration of thirty minutes. Do not confuse this with une heure et demie, which means an hour and a half.
Did you know?
- In casual French conversation, une demi-heure is often used hyperbolically to mean 'a short while' rather than exactly thirty minutes.
- The word demi remains invariable when placed before a noun, such as in une demi-heure, but it becomes demie if it follows the noun, like in une heure et demie.
- The word heure comes from the Latin 'hora', which is also the root of the English word 'hour' and the Greek word 'hōra'.
Examples in context
- Ça a pris une demi-heure.It took half an hour.This sentence is useful for expressing how much time a task required using une demi-heure.Tatoeba #3071002 by Rovo, translation #72748 by CK
- On part dans une demi-heure.We leave in half an hour.This sentence is useful for stating a departure time in thirty minutes using une demi-heure.Tatoeba #5458644 by Whidou, translation #5455509 by CK
- Une demi-heure s'est écoulée.Half an hour passed.This sentence is useful for describing the passage of a thirty-minute period using une demi-heure.Tatoeba #10775998 by lbdx, translation #2498606 by raggione
- Nous devons préparer la présentation dans une demi-heure.We need to prepare the presentation in half an hour.
- 54 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Emma are deciding when to leave for a movie.
- LucasOn part dans une demi-heure ?Shall we leave in half an hour?
- EmmaOui, je finis ce livre rapidement.Yes, I am finishing this book quickly.
- LucasD'accord, je t'attends dans le salon.Okay, I will wait for you in the living room.
- EmmaMerci, Lucas, à tout de suite.Thanks, Lucas, see you in a bit.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries demi-heure, une, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
