période
/pe.ʁjɔd/feminine
In French, the English word 'period' is translated as période when referring to an interval of time.
The word période is a common translation for a defined span of time, an era or a historical period. Depending on your specific meaning, other words may be more appropriate: use L'époque when referring to a specific epoch or historical period and use La durée when the focus is on the duration or length of a period, which is common in scientific or technical contexts.
Meaning: interval of time (noun)
Which one should you use?
While période refers to a span of time, other words are used to express 'period' as an interjection to end a sentence. For an informal way to say 'and that is final' (equivalent to the English 'period!'), use point. For a colloquial way to say 'period!' or 'end of story!' to signal that a discussion is over, use point barre.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
période is a feminine noun. This means that any adjectives modifying it must take the feminine form, such as longue période.
How do you pronounce it?
/pe.ʁjɔd/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use période to refer to the punctuation mark at the end of a sentence. In that context, you should use point instead.
Did you know?
- When discussing menstruation, French speakers do not use période as they do in English. Instead, they use the word règles, which literally means 'rules'.
- The word période comes from the Latin periodus, which originally meant a 'circuit' or a 'complete turn'.
- In French grammar, a période can refer to a specific rhetorical structure. It is a long, complex sentence that builds in intensity and only completes its meaning at the very end.
Examples in context
- C'est une période délicate.It is a delicate period.This sentence illustrates the use of période to describe a delicate time.Tatoeba #9129753 by Julien_PDC, translation #9400838 by BobbyLee
- De quelle période est ce tableau ?What period is this painting from?This sentence shows how to use période when asking about the era of a painting.Tatoeba #3655621 by sacredceltic, translation #681714 by Source_VOA
- Quelle est la période d'incubation ?What is the incubation period?This sentence demonstrates using période in the context of an incubation period.Tatoeba #6638024 by GB3, translation #6637634 by Eccles17
- La période victorienneThe Victorian period
- L'époque romaineThe Roman period
- La durée d'incubationThe incubation period
- Je traverse un moment difficileI'm going through a difficult period
- Je serai absent(e) pendant une courte période de tempsI'll be away for a short period of time
- Je ne veux plus en parler, point final!I don't want to discuss it anymore, period!
- 20 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Léa and Gabriel are discussing their work schedules.
- LéaC'est une période très chargée pour moi.It is a very busy period for me.
- GabrielJe comprends, moi aussi j'ai beaucoup de travail.I understand, I have a lot of work too.
- LéaCette période se terminera bientôt, j'espère.This period will end soon, I hope.
- GabrielOui, courage Léa, ça va aller.Yes, hang in there Léa, it will be okay.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “period” translations and entries période, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries période, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
