Are you curious about how to say “in the afternoon” in French? Whether you want to have a casual conversation or need to use more formal language, I’ve got you covered. In this guide, we’ll explore various ways to express “in the afternoon” in French, including regional variations if necessary. Let’s dive in!
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Formal ways to say “in the afternoon” in French
If you find yourself in a formal setting or need to use polite language, here are a few phrases you can use:
“Dans l’après-midi” – This is the most standard and widely used way to say “in the afternoon” in French. It can be used in any formal situation, and you can’t go wrong with this phrase. For example, “Je vous attends dans l’après-midi” means “I’ll be waiting for you in the afternoon.”
“Durant l’après-midi” – This phrase is slightly more formal and emphasizes the duration. It can be used to convey a sense of schedule or time commitment. For instance, “La réunion durera toute l’après-midi” means “The meeting will last all afternoon.”
“Pendant l’après-midi” – Similar to the previous phrase, “pendant l’après-midi” emphasizes that something happens during the afternoon. It is often used in formal contexts with a specific time frame. For example, “Le cours aura lieu pendant l’après-midi de jeudi” means “The class will take place during Thursday afternoon.”
Informal ways to say “in the afternoon” in French
If you’re in a less formal environment or having a casual conversation, you can use these more relaxed expressions:
“Cet après-midi” – This is the informal equivalent of “dans l’après-midi” and is commonly used in everyday speech. For example, “On se retrouve cet après-midi” means “Let’s meet up this afternoon.”
“L’aprem” – This is a shortened version of “l’après-midi” and is primarily used in spoken French or informal writing. It’s common among friends and peers. For instance, “J’ai prévu une sortie en ville dans l’aprem” means “I’ve planned an outing in town in the afternoon.”
“En soirée” – While not directly related to the afternoon, this phrase is often used in informal settings to refer to the late afternoon and early evening period. It’s commonly used to invite someone to an evening event. For example, “Viens chez moi en soirée !” means “Come to my place in the evening!”
Regional variations
French is spoken in various regions worldwide, and some regional variations exist. Here’s a glimpse into how different regions express “in the afternoon”:
Quebec French
Quebec French is known for its unique vocabulary. Instead of using “dans l’après-midi,” Quebec speakers often say “dans l’p.m.” as a more colloquial way to say “in the afternoon.” For instance, “On se voit dans l’p.m.” means “Let’s meet in the afternoon.”
Swiss French
In Swiss French, you might find people using the phrase “l’aprème” to refer to the afternoon. It’s a contraction of “l’après-midi” and is commonly heard in Switzerland. For example, “Je suis disponible toute l’aprème” means “I’m available all afternoon.”
Tips and examples
Here are some additional tips and examples to further enhance your understanding of how to say “in the afternoon” in French:
- Consider the context: When choosing the right phrase, consider the level of formality and the specific situation you are in.
- Use the appropriate preposition: The phrases presented here use “dans” or “en” before “l’après-midi” to mean “in the afternoon.” Pay attention to these prepositions since they can vary depending on the phrase.
- Combine with specific times: You can combine these phrases with specific times to express a more precise moment in the afternoon. For example, “Je viendrai dans l’après-midi, vers trois heures” means “I’ll come in the afternoon, around three o’clock.”
- Listen and observe: Pay attention to native French speakers to get a better grasp of how they use different expressions for “in the afternoon.” Immersion is a fantastic way to learn and become familiar with regional variations.
With these phrases, tips, and examples, you are well-equipped to express “in the afternoon” in French. Remember to adapt your choice based on the level of formality and the situation you find yourself in. Enjoy your French language journey and have a wonderful time conversing in the afternoon!
