moment
/mɔ.mɑ̃/masculine
The French word for "moment" is moment. Wiktionary also lists instant.
Meaning: very brief period of time (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| moment | /mɔ.mɑ̃/ | masculine |
| instant | /ɛ̃s.tɑ̃/ | masculine |
Both moment and instant are used to describe a very brief period of time. In more formal contexts, you might use the term Épisode to refer to a specific moment or event occurring within a larger context.
Which one should you use?
While both terms refer to a brief period of time, instant is often used in more formal or precise contexts to denote an extremely short and immediate duration.
How does it change in a sentence?
Both moment and instant are masculine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
moment is pronounced /mɔ.mɑ̃/. It has two syllables.
Did you know?
- The Latin root of moment originally referred to the movement of a scale, specifically the smallest possible movement.
- The phrase un moment is frequently used in France to mean 'a long time' when speaking sarcastically, such as when someone is waiting for a slow computer to boot up.
- A French speaker who asks for un petit moment is often being polite and may actually be referring to a delay of several minutes.
Examples in context
- Reste un moment !Stay a moment.This sentence is useful for the form moment.Tatoeba #4625939 by sacredceltic, translation #2549694 by CK
- Attendez un instant !Hold on a moment!This sentence is useful for the form instant.Tatoeba #13372103 by lbdx, translation #10465790 by terrywallwork
- Elle resta là un moment.She stayed there for a moment.Tatoeba #776631 by sacredceltic, translation #315022 by CK
- Attendez un instant, s'il vous plaîtWait a moment, please
- Un temps de réflexion est nécessaireA moment of reflection is necessary
- Dans quelques instants, le spectacle commencera.In a few moments, the show will begin.
- Attends une seconde, je termine cette tâcheWait a moment, I'm finishing this task
- Donne-moi une minute pour réfléchirGive me a moment to think
- Attends une seconde, je viens te chercher.Wait a moment, I'll come get you.
- 459 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Chloé and Nathan are meeting at a cafe.
- ChloéSalut Nathan ! Tu as un moment ?Hi Nathan! Do you have a moment?
- NathanOui, je suis libre pour un moment.Yes, I am free for a moment.
- ChloéJe veux te montrer quelque chose rapidement.I want to show you something quickly.
- NathanD'accord, je t'écoute.Okay, I'm listening.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “moment” translations and entries moment, instant, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries instant, moment, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
