pas aujourd'hui
The English phrase "not today" is translated into French as pas aujourd'hui.
This phrase is used to say that something will not happen or be done on the current day.
Did you know?
- The word pas actually means 'a step' in French. It originated from the Latin word passus, which refers to a physical stride or pace.
- In casual spoken French, the first part of a negation is often dropped, meaning you might hear just pas aujourd'hui instead of je ne viens pas aujourd'hui.
- The phrase pas aujourd'hui can be used as a polite but firm way to decline a request without providing a reason, acting as a social buffer.
Examples in context
- Je t'apprendrai à programmer mais pas aujourd'hui.I will teach you to program, but not today.This sentence is useful for showing how to use pas aujourd'hui to postpone a future action.Tatoeba #6574609 by GB3, translation #1493434 by CM
- On part en voyage, mais pas aujourd'hui.We are going on a trip, but not today.
- Je peux t'aider, mais pas aujourd'hui.I can help you, but not today.
Example conversation
Gabriel and Emma are deciding when to clean the house.
- GabrielOn nettoie le salon maintenant ?Are we cleaning the living room now?
- EmmaPas aujourd'hui, Gabriel. Je travaille.Not today, Gabriel. I am working.
- GabrielOn le fait demain alors ?Shall we do it tomorrow then?
- EmmaOui, demain c'est parfait.Yes, tomorrow is perfect.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries aujourd'hui, pas, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
