pendant ce temps
In French, 'meanwhile' is translated as pendant ce temps.
The phrase is used to describe an action occurring during an intervening period of time. While pendant ce temps focuses on the duration of an action happening simultaneously with another, other expressions may be used depending on the context. In informal spoken language, you might hear en attendant to mean 'while waiting' or pendant ce temps-ci to mean 'during this time'.
Meaning: during the intervening time (adv)
What does it mean word for word?
The expression pendant ce temps literally translates to 'during this time'.
Which one should you use?
Entre-temps is often used to describe an interval between two specific events, whereas pendant ce temps emphasizes the duration of an action that is occurring at the same time as something else.
How does it change in a sentence?
Adding the suffix '-là' to create Pendant ce temps-là changes the meaning from 'during this time' to 'during that time', which is often used when referring to a specific period in the past.
Did you know?
- The word temps used in pendant ce temps does not just mean 'time' but also 'weather'. This means a sentence about the weather could be mistaken for a sentence about duration without a clear context.
- While pendant ce temps is a common phrase, the word pendant is used as a preposition in French but was originally a participle meaning 'hanging'.
- The phrase pendant ce temps is often used in storytelling to create a cinematic 'cut' effect, signaling to the listener that the scene has shifted to another location.
Examples in context
- Pendant ce temps, le grondement devenait progressivement de plus en plus fort.Meanwhile, the rumbling was gradually getting louder.This sentence is useful for showing how to use pendant ce temps to describe a background action.Tatoeba #8852403 by lbdx, translation #7916556 by AlanF_US
- J'ai préparé le dîner, pendant ce temps tu peux te reposerI prepared dinner, meanwhile you can rest
- Ellie est allée se promener. Entre-temps, nous avons commencé à préparer le repasEllie went for a walk. Meanwhile, we started preparing the meal
- Julien joue au football. Pendant ce temps-là, Marine fait ses devoirsJulien is playing football. Meanwhile, Marine is doing her homework
- Emma lit un livre tandis que Pierre regarde la télévisionEmma is reading a book while Pierre is watching TV
- Sandra travaille pendant ce temps.Sandra is working meanwhile.
- Pendant ce temps-là, on se prépare pour le voyage.Meanwhile, we are getting ready for the trip.
- Entre-temps, tu peux commencer à réviser tes leçons.Meanwhile, you can start reviewing your lessons.
Example conversation
Lucas and Léa are preparing for a party at home.
- LucasJe vais chercher les boissons.I'm going to get the drinks.
- LéaD'accord, pendant ce temps, je prépare les amuse-bouches.Okay, meanwhile, I will prepare the appetizers.
- LucasParfait, on sera prêts très vite.Perfect, we will be ready very soon.
- LéaOui, je m'en occupe.Yes, I'm on it.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
