Bonjour! If you’re looking to expand your French vocabulary and learn how to express the concept of “later on,” you’ve come to the right place. Whether you want to communicate your plans for the near future in a formal or informal setting, this guide will equip you with various phrases, tips, and examples to enhance your conversational skills. So, without further ado, let’s delve into the different ways to say “later on” in French!
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions
Formal language is generally used in professional or polite settings, so it’s crucial to know how to express the idea of “later on” appropriately. Here are some formal expressions you can use:
- Plus tard: This straightforward phrase can be used in various contexts to mean “later on” or “later.” It’s a versatile and widely understood expression.
- Prochainement: This word translates to “shortly” or “coming soon” and can be used to indicate that something will happen in the near future.
- Dans un second temps: Literally meaning “in a second step,” this formal expression is often used in professional contexts to refer to actions or events to be discussed or done later on in a sequence.
- Ultérieurement: This word means “subsequently” or “later,” and it’s used to describe events or actions that will occur at a later point in time.
- Dans un futur proche: When you want to convey that something will happen soon but not immediately, this phrase, meaning “in the near future,” serves as an excellent choice.
For example:
Je vous contacterai plus tard pour discuter de ce sujet.
(I will contact you later to discuss this matter.)
Informal Expressions
In informal conversations with friends, family, or colleagues, you can opt for more relaxed expressions to convey the notion of “later on.” Here are some informal phrases:
- Tout à l’heure: This phrase can be used to mean “later” or “in a little while.” It’s a versatile expression that implies a relatively short period of time.
- D’ici peu: If you want to express that something will happen shortly or soon, you can use this popular saying, which means “in a little while” or “before long”.
- Dans un moment: This phrase translates as “in a moment” and is often used casually to mean “later on.” It can refer to both immediate and slightly longer delays.
- Plus tard, là: This colloquial phrase is a relaxed way to say “later on” or “later” in French. The addition of “là” adds emphasis on the “later” aspect.
- Pas tout de suite: If you want to indicate that something won’t happen immediately but still acknowledge the idea of it occurring, you can say this phrase, which means “not right away” or “not immediately.”
For example:
Je te rejoins tout à l’heure pour prendre un café.
(I’ll meet you later to have a coffee.)
Examples in Context
Now, let’s have a look at some examples to see the different expressions in action:
- Formal:
Nous organiserons une réunion ultérieurement pour discuter de ces propositions.
(We will organize a meeting later on to discuss these proposals.)
- Informal:
Je passerai te voir d’ici peu pour te remettre ton cadeau d’anniversaire.
(I’ll come to see you shortly to give you your birthday present.)
Wrapping Up
Congratulations! You have reached the end of this comprehensive guide on expressing “later on” in French. By mastering both formal and informal expressions, you can confidently navigate a variety of conversations while demonstrating your language proficiency. Remember to tailor your choice of phrase to the context, whether it’s a formal or informal setting. Keep practicing these expressions to ensure they become second nature to you. Bonne chance (Good luck) on your French language journey!
