Gaining proficiency in a foreign language often involves mastering various tenses and expressions. Among these is the phrase “it has been,” which can be quite useful in everyday conversations. In French, there are multiple ways to convey this meaning, depending on the context, formality, and regional variations. In this guide, we will explore the different expressions and provide numerous tips and examples to help you feel confident using them. So, let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions for “It has been” in French
When using “It has been” in a formal context or in writing, French offers a few options to convey the appropriate meaning. Here are the most common expressions:
“Cela fait” or “Ça fait”
The expressions “Cela fait” and “Ça fait” are often used in formal settings to convey the idea of “It has been.” These phrases are followed by a duration, providing information about the length of time that has passed since a particular event.
For example:
- Cela fait cinq ans qu’il travaille ici. (It has been five years since he started working here.)
- Ça fait une semaine que nous sommes arrivés. (It has been a week since we arrived.)
“Il y a” or “Voilà”
Another way to express “It has been” formally is by using the phrases “Il y a” or “Voilà.” Although they have different literal translations, they are often used interchangeably in this context. These expressions are followed by a duration as well.
For example:
- Il y a deux heures que je l’attends. (It has been two hours since I’ve been waiting for him/her.)
- Voilà trois mois qu’il est parti. (It has been three months since he left.)
Informal Expressions for “It has been” in French
In casual conversations or less formal situations, you can use more relaxed expressions to convey the same meaning. Here are some common informal ways to say “it has been” in French:
“Ça fait”
Similar to its usage in formal contexts, “Ça fait” can also be used in informal conversations. However, in informal settings, it is often shortened to just “Ça.” These expressions are followed by a duration.
For example:
- Ça fait quatre jour que j’attends ta réponse. (It has been four days since I’ve been waiting for your response.)
- Ça fait longtemps qu’on ne s’est pas vus. (It has been a long time since we last saw each other.)
“Ça fait que”
In colloquial French, you might come across the expression “Ça fait que.” While it translates literally to “It has been that,” it is commonly used to mean “Therefore” or “So” in casual conversations. It is frequently used to explain or justify a consequence.
For example:
- Je n’ai pas d’argent, ça fait que je ne peux pas sortir ce soir. (I don’t have any money, so I can’t go out tonight.)
- Je suis fatigué, ça fait que je vais me reposer. (I’m tired, so I’m going to rest.)
Regional Variations
French is spoken in various regions worldwide, and some expressions may vary depending on where you are. However, when it comes to saying “It has been,” the expressions mentioned above are widely used across French-speaking regions. It’s always beneficial to learn regional variations if you plan to visit a specific area or interact with native speakers from that region.
Tips for Using “It has been” in French
Now that you have a good grasp of the various expressions for saying “It has been” in French, here are some additional tips to help you use them effectively:
1. Pay attention to gender: In French, the phrase “It has been” does not refer to an object with a neutral gender, so make sure to adapt the verb and article to match the gender of the subject or object you’re referring to. 2. Practice with time expressions: Use “It has been” expressions with different time durations in your conversations to become comfortable using them naturally. This will also help you practice your overall language skills. 3. Vary your vocabulary: Instead of always using the same expressions, try experimenting with synonyms or alternative phrases for “It has been” to expand your vocabulary and sound more fluent.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have now learned several ways to express “It has been” in French. Whether you need to convey this meaning formally or informally, you can confidently use expressions like “Cela fait,” “Ça fait,” “Il y a,” or “Voilà.” Remember to adapt the expressions based on the gender of the subject or object and practice them with various durations to become more fluent. Keep exploring different phrases and engage in conversations with native speakers to further enhance your skills. Bonne chance!
