une minute
The English phrase "one minute" is translated into French as une minute.
In French, une minute is used to refer to a short period of time. Much like in English, it is often used figuratively to mean "a moment" rather than a literal sixty seconds.
Which one should you use?
While une minute is a standard way to express a short period, un instant serves as a more formal alternative when asking someone to wait. In informal settings, you might also hear Donne-moi une seconde to mean "give me a second" or Laisse-moi réfléchir un instant for "let me think for a moment".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In France, the informal expression Une minute top chrono is used to mean "one minute, stopwatch running".
Did you know?
- The word minute shares an ancestor with the English word 'menu', as both derive from the Latin 'minutus', meaning 'small'.
- In French, the word minute can also refer to the official raw notes taken by a notary or clerk before a final document is produced.
- In a French kitchen, the word minute can also describe a dish that is prepared very quickly, such as a 'steak à la minute'.
Examples in context
- Vous avez une minute.You have one minute.This sentence shows how to state that someone has one minute.Tatoeba #7699966 by Maxence, translation #2647248 by CK
- Donne-moi juste une minute.Just give me one minute.This sentence is useful for asking someone to give you just one minute.Tatoeba #11588371 by Aiji, translation #3151355 by CK
- Je suis à toi dans une minute.I'll be with you in just one minute.This sentence shows how to say you will be with someone in one minute.Tatoeba #6574479 by GB3, translation #2539811 by CK
- Attends une minute , je finis de me préparer.Wait a minute, I am finishing getting ready.
- 18 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nathan is finishing a task while Manon waits for him.
- NathanUne minute, je termine ce mail.One minute, I am finishing this email.
- ManonD'accord, je t'attends ici.Okay, I'll wait for you here.
- NathanVoilà, j'ai fini !There, I'm finished!
- ManonC'est parfait, on peut y aller.That's perfect, we can go.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries minute, une, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
