la moitié du temps
The English phrase half the time is translated into French as la moitié du temps.
la moitié du temps is used to describe something that happens in fifty percent of instances or for half of a duration.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of la moitié (the half), du (of the) and temps (time).
How does it change in a sentence?
When expressing that an action is completed within a duration that is half of the original, the preposition 'en' is used.
Did you know?
- The word temps is used to describe both 'time' as a duration and the 'weather'.
- The word moitié is a cognate of the English word 'moiety', which is primarily used today in legal or scientific contexts to describe one of two equal parts.
- The word moitié comes from the Late Latin word 'medietātem'. This makes it a distant relative of the English word 'medium', as both involve the concept of being in the middle.
Examples in context
- Tom dormait la moitié du temps.Tom was asleep half the time.This sentence shows how to use la moitié du temps to describe a state during a period of time.Tatoeba #11956263 by zogwarg, translation #3831120 by CK
- Je peux le faire en la moitié du temps.I can do it in half the time.This sentence demonstrates using the preposition en to indicate an action completed within half the duration.Tatoeba #1347138 by sacredceltic, translation #249657 by CK
- J'adore essayer de nouvelles choses, alors j'achète toujours des produits dès qu'ils sont en rayons. Bien sûr, la moitié du temps, je finis par souhaiter ne pas l'avoir fait.I love trying out new things, so I always buy products as soon as they hit the store shelves. Of course, half the time I end up wishing I hadn't.This sentence illustrates using la moitié du temps to describe the frequency of a recurring feeling or outcome.Tatoeba #5192034 by sacredceltic, translation #249549 by CM
- Je passe la moitié du temps à étudierI spend half the time studying
- Elle travaille 50% du tempsShe works half the time
- Je joue aux jeux vidéo la moitié du tempsI play video games half the time
- Elle passe la moitié du temps à travailler et l'autre moitié à se détendreShe spends half the time working and the other half relaxing
Example conversation
Hugo and Manon are discussing their commute to work.
- HugoLe bus est en retard la moitié du temps.The bus is late half the time.
- ManonC'est vraiment frustrant pour toi, Hugo.That is really frustrating for you, Hugo.
- HugoOui, je dois souvent marcher.Yes, I often have to walk.
- ManonBon courage pour ton trajet, mon ami.Good luck with your commute, my friend.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries du, la, moitié, temps, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
