When it comes to translating the French word “puis” into English, it can be met with a few different interpretations depending on the context. This guide aims to provide you with various options to express the meaning of “puis” in both formal and informal ways. So, whether you’re a language learner, a translator, or simply curious about the possibilities, let’s dive into the different ways to say “puis” in English.
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Formal Translations of “Puis”
1. “Then” – One of the most common and versatile translations of “puis” is “then.” It signifies a sequential order or progression of events and works well in formal contexts.
“First, complete the registration form, and then submit it to the office.”
2. “Afterward” – Similar to “then,” “afterward” also denotes a subsequent event or action. It is a slightly more formal alternative to “then.”
“Finish reading the chapter, and afterward, answer the questions at the end.”
3. “Next” – When referring to an action that follows another in a chronological order, using “next” is a suitable formal option.
“Prepare your presentation slides, and next, rehearse your speech.”
4. “Subsequently” – In more formal or academic writing, “subsequently” can be used to indicate a consequence or outcome that occurs later.
“The proposal was approved, and subsequently, the project commenced.”
5. “Following that” – When emphasizing that one action is happening immediately after another, the phrase “following that” is an appropriate formal choice.
“The meeting will take place at 2 PM, and following that, we will discuss the new marketing strategies.”
Informal Equivalents of “Puis”
1. “And then” – This commonly used phrase sounds natural in informal conversations and provides a seamless transition from one action to another.
“I finished my homework, and then I went out for a walk.”
2. “After that” – Informally, “after that” is a simple and effective way to convey the idea of subsequent events.
“We watched a movie, and after that, we grabbed dinner at our favorite restaurant.”
3. “And following that” – Similar to the formal “following that,” this phrase works well conversationally when emphasizing the immediacy of one action succeeding another.
“We cleaned the house, and following that, we invited friends over for a game night.”
4. “Next up” – This informal phrase establishes a sense of anticipation for what comes next in a series of actions.
“We finished wrapping gifts, and next up, we’ll decorate the Christmas tree.”
5. “Then, what happened was” – This slightly more colloquial phrase is perfect for storytelling, enhancing engagement, and guiding the listener through your narrative.
“I walked into the store, and then, what happened was I bumped into my old friend from college.”
Examples of “Puis” in Context
Now, let’s look at a few examples that demonstrate how “puis” can be translated in different situations:
Example 1: Sequential Instructions
Original: Imprimez le formulaire, puis signez-le.
Translation: Print the form, then sign it.
Example 2: Consecutive Actions
Original: J’ai lavé les légumes, puis j’ai commencé à préparer le dîner.
Translation: I washed the vegetables, then I started preparing dinner.
Example 3: Cause and Effect
Original: Elle a perdu son emploi, puis elle a décidé de retourner aux études.
Translation: She lost her job, then she decided to go back to school.
Example 4: Time-based Actions
Original: Nous avons visité Paris, puis nous sommes allés à Rome.
Translation: We visited Paris, afterward we went to Rome.
Example 5: Events in Sequence
Original: J’ai fini de travailler, puis je suis sorti avec des amis.
Translation: I finished work, and then I went out with friends.
Remember, the key is to use the translation that best fits the context and maintains a seamless flow in your conversation or writing.
Conclusion
By now, you have discovered various ways to express the meaning of “puis” in English, both formally and informally. You can choose between different translations such as “then,” “afterward,” “next,” “subsequently,” “following that,” “and then,” “after that,” “and following that,” “next up,” and “then, what happened was.” Each translation has its own nuance and appropriate usage, so make sure to select the one that best conveys your intended meaning.
Remember to consider the context, level of formality, and the overall flow of your conversation or writing. By mastering the alternatives to “puis,” you can effectively communicate your thoughts and ideas in English while ensuring a vibrant and engaging exchange of information.
