cependant
/sə.pɑ̃.dɑ̃/
The French word for 'however' is cependant.
The adverb cependant is used to say 'no matter how'.
Meaning: no matter how (adv)
Which one should you use?
While both cependant and pourtant can be translated as 'however', pourtant often conveys a stronger sense of contradiction or irony, similar to the English 'and yet'.
How do you pronounce it?
/sə.pɑ̃.dɑ̃/
Did you know?
- The word cependant is a result of 'univerbation', where two separate words fused into one over time. It was originally the phrase ce pendant, meaning 'this while' or 'during this time'.
- Using cependant in a casual conversation with friends can sound overly stiff or academic, like saying 'notwithstanding' in English.
- In very formal or archaic French, cependant can be used to mean 'meanwhile' or 'at the same time'.
Examples in context
- Tu fais une erreur, cependant.You're making a mistake, however.This sentence shows the placement of cependant at the end of a sentence.Tatoeba #8571851 by Aiji, translation #7051125 by AlanF_US
- Cependant, je n'ai pas d'argent.However, I have no money.This sentence shows how to use cependant at the beginning of a sentence.Tatoeba #430863 by chtof, translation #53632 by orcrist
- Cependant, je pourrais me tromper.However, I could be mistaken.This sentence shows how to use cependant to introduce a possibility at the start of a sentence.Tatoeba #7967348 by Aiji, translation #7627793 by AlanF_US
- La situation économique est stable. Cependant, nous devons rester vigilants.The economic situation is stable. However, we must remain vigilant.
- J'aime la musique classique. Néanmoins, je suis également ouvert à d'autres genres musicaux.I love classical music. However, I am also open to other genres of music.
- Le film était très intéressant. Toutefois, le dénouement était un peu décevant.The movie was very interesting. However, the ending was a bit disappointing.
- J'adore voyager. Par contre, je déteste les longs trajets en avion.I love traveling. However, I hate long flights.
- Ce restaurant a une bonne ambiance. En revanche, les prix sont assez élevés.This restaurant has a great atmosphere. However, the prices are quite high.
- Je suis fatigué. Je me suis levé tôt ce matin. Tout de même, je dois terminer ce travail.I am tired. I woke up early this morning. However, I need to finish this work.
- 50 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Léa and Gabriel are discussing a difficult project.
- LéaC'est difficile, cependant on peut réussir.It's difficult, however we can succeed.
- GabrielJe ne suis pas d'accord avec toi.I don't agree with you.
- LéaPourquoi penses-tu cela, Gabriel ?Why do you think that, Gabriel?
- GabrielLe délai est beaucoup trop court.The deadline is much too short.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry cependant, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cependant, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
