plus tard
The English phrase "later on" is translated into French as plus tard.
For more formal contexts, you may use Ultérieurement, which means subsequently or later.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of plus (more) and tard (late), literally meaning "more late".
Which one should you use?
Use plus tard to refer to a later time in the future. In contrast, tout à l'heure refers to a time later on the same day (very soon or a short while ago). Additionally, you can use the informal phrase Pas tout de suite, which means not right away or not immediately.
How does it change in a sentence?
plus tard is adverbial and does not change its form based on the gender or number of the subject or the object.
Did you know?
- In very casual, modern French texting, you might see people shorten à plus tard to just a+, using the plus sign as a phonetic shorthand.
- The word tard is a cognitive relative of the English word 'tardy', as both derive from the Latin tarde meaning slowly or late.
- French distinguishes between plus tard and tout à l'heure, a distinction English lacks, as the latter can refer to both a time in the near future and a time in the very recent past.
Examples in context
- Je t'appelle plus tard.I will telephone you later on.This sentence demonstrates using plus tard to indicate when a telephone call will happen.Tatoeba #1104129 by sacredceltic, translation #240114 by CK
- Tu le comprendras plus tard.You'll understand it later on.This sentence shows how plus tard can be used when discussing future understanding.Tatoeba #4949778 by sacredceltic, translation #2259959 by _undertoad
- Je t'expliquerai le sujet plus tard.I'll explain the matter to you later on.This sentence illustrates using plus tard when postponing an explanation.Tatoeba #1566180 by sacredceltic, translation #30503 by CK
- Je vous contacterai plus tard pour discuter de ce sujet.I will contact you later to discuss this matter.
- Je te rejoins tout à l'heure pour prendre un café.I'll meet you later to have a coffee.
- Nous organiserons une réunion ultérieurement pour discuter de ces propositions.We will organize a meeting later on to discuss these proposals.
- 12 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Emma are talking about their plans for the afternoon.
- LucasOn se voit plus tard ?Shall we see each other later on?
- EmmaOui, c'est une bonne idée.Yes, that is a good idea.
- LucasTu seras libre vers dix-huit heures ?Will you be free around 6 p.m.?
- EmmaOui, je serai disponible.Yes, I will be available.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries plus, tard, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
