et maintenant ?
The English phrase "now what?" can be translated into French as et maintenant ?
et maintenant ? is a question used to ask what should be done next after a particular event or action.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the conjunction et (and) and the adverb maintenant (now).
Which one should you use?
While et maintenant ? focuses on the immediate present moment, the phrase et après ? (and after?) is more focused on the chronological sequence of what follows.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, a colloquial and regional way to express "now what?" is Pis là ?
Did you know?
- The word maintenant is a combination of the Old French words main (hand) and tenant (holding). It literally describes the concept of 'holding in the hand' to signify the present moment.
- In Quebec, the regional phrase Pis là ? is so distinct that European French speakers may struggle to recognize it as a version of 'now what?'
- While et maintenant ? is standard, using the single word Alors ? can often serve as a more natural, punchy way to ask 'Now what?' or 'So?' in casual conversation.
Examples in context
- J'ai terminé la tâche. Et maintenant ?I have completed the task. Now what?
- J'ai suivi les instructions. Quelle est la suite ?I have followed the instructions. What is the next step?
- On a fini notre projet. Et maintenant ?We finished our project. Now what?
- On a fini le projet. Et maintenant ?We finished the project. Now what?
- Le film est fini, et maintenant ?The movie is finished, and now what?
- On a perdu les clés, et maintenant ?We lost the keys, and now what?
- Le projet est terminé, et maintenant ?The project is complete, and now what?
Example conversation
Emma and Nathan have just finished cleaning their kitchen.
- EmmaOn a fini de nettoyer, et maintenant ?We finished cleaning, and now what?
- NathanMaintenant, on peut se reposer.Now, we can rest.
- EmmaTu veux regarder un film ?Do you want to watch a movie?
- NathanOui, c'est une bonne idée.Yes, that is a good idea.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries et, maintenant, CC BY-SA 4.0.
