autrefois
/o.tʁə.fwa/
The English phrase 'olden days' can be translated into French as autrefois.
Autrefois is often used in storytelling or when reminiscing about a period that feels distant or legendary. Depending on the context and tone you wish to convey, other phrases can also be used to describe the past.
What does it mean word for word?
The word autrefois is a combination of autre (other) and fois (times/occasions).
Which one should you use?
While autrefois refers to a general, often nostalgic 'olden days', the word avant is used for a more specific 'before' in relation to a certain point in time.
How does it change in a sentence?
Autrefois is an adverb and is invariable, meaning it does not change form for gender or number.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of autrefois is /o.tʁə.fwa/ and it has three syllables.
Did you know?
- In modern spoken French, autrefois is increasingly replaced by avant in casual conversation, making autrefois sound more literary or formal.
- While autrefois describes a general era, the word jadis is a more poetic, almost archaic way to say 'of old' or 'in days of yore'.
- If you are talking about a specific 'olden time' that is gone forever, you might use le bon vieux temps, which means 'the good old times'.
Examples in context
- Ah, le bon vieux temps où l'on ne se souciait de rien.Ah, the good old times when we didn't worry about anything.
- Autrefois, les gens voyageaient à cheval.In the olden days, people traveled on horseback.
- Tout était différent autrefois.Everything was different in the olden days.
- Autrefois, il n'y avait pas d'internet.In the olden days, there was no internet.
Example conversation
Lucas and Léa are talking about how life has changed.
- LucasAutrefois, la vie était plus simple.In the olden days, life was simpler.
- LéaC'est vrai, mais c'était aussi difficile.That is true, but it was also difficult.
- LucasTu as raison, Léa.You are right, Léa.
- LéaOn a de la chance d'être ici.We are lucky to be here.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry autrefois, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
