puis
/pɥi/
puis is the French word for 'then' or 'next' used when describing a sequence of events.
puis is used to transition between events in a sequence. It is frequently used at the beginning of sentences or clauses to move a narrative forward, much like how an English speaker might use 'And then…'.
Which one should you use?
While puis and ensuite both mean 'then', puis is often used to link a series of quick, consecutive actions. In contrast, ensuite is slightly more formal and can imply a longer interval between steps. Additionally, puis is an adverb used to transition between events, whereas après is an adverb or preposition that usually requires a noun or a specific time reference, such as 'après le dîner' (after dinner).
How do you pronounce it?
/pɥi/
Did you know?
- There is a separate but identically spelled puis used in the phrase puis-je, which means 'may I'. This version comes from a completely different Latin root meaning 'to be able'.
- Using puis too many times in a row when telling a story is considered a stylistic error in formal French. While it is common in speech, professional writers avoid it to prevent the text from sounding repetitive or childish.
- Spoken French uses puis as a rhythmic filler to pause for thought. In this context, it functions more like the English word 'well' than a marker of time.
Examples in context
- Je mange, puis je pars.I eat, then I leave.
- On va au cinéma, puis on dîne.We are going to the cinema, then we are having dinner.
- Elle finit son travail, puis elle rentre.She finishes her work, then she goes home.
Example conversation
Chloé and Hugo are discussing their plans for the evening.
- ChloéOn va faire les courses, puis quoi ?We are going grocery shopping, then what?
- HugoOn peut cuisiner, puis regarder un film.We can cook, then watch a movie.
- ChloéC'est une bonne idée, Hugo.That is a good idea, Hugo.
- HugoParfait, on fait comme ça.Perfect, let's do that.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry puis, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
