Learning a new language opens doors to new cultures and opportunities. If you’ve been studying French, you might have encountered the need to express the concept of “recently” in your conversations or writing. In this guide, we will explore various ways to say “recently” in French, providing both formal and informal alternatives. We will also cover any regional variations if necessary. Let’s dive right in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Recently” in French
When conveying the idea of “recently” in formal contexts, you may opt for the following phrases:
- Récemment – This is the most common, general and safe way to say “recently” in French. It can be used in various contexts without sounding overly formal or informal. For example, “J’ai récemment visité Paris” (I recently visited Paris).
- Ultérieurement – Literally meaning “later on,” this word is used to refer to something that has happened more recently in the past. It is often employed in a professional or academic context. For instance, “L’article a été publié ultérieurement” (The article was published recently).
- Depuis peu – This expression translates to “recently” or “not long ago,” emphasizing the short amount of time that has passed since an event or action. For example, “Il travaille dans cette entreprise depuis peu” (He has been working in this company recently).
Informal Ways to Say “Recently” in French
When you want to express the notion of “recently” in a more casual or informal setting, the following options are suitable:
- Dernièrement – This term is commonly used in informal speech and translates to “lately” or “recently.” For instance, “Je suis allé au cinéma dernièrement” (I went to the movies recently).
- Y’a pas longtemps – This colloquial expression can be used to mean “not long ago” or “recently” in casual conversations among friends or acquaintances. For example, “On est allés à la plage y’a pas longtemps” (We went to the beach recently).
- Depuis un petit moment – Translating to “for a little while,” this informal phrase indicates something that happened recently and has been ongoing. It conveys a sense of duration. For instance, “Elle enseigne le français depuis un petit moment” (She has been teaching French for a little while).
Regional Variations
While French is predominantly spoken across various regions, there are slight variations in idiom usage. It’s essential to be aware of these differences, but they generally won’t hinder understanding. Here are a few regional variations when saying “recently” in French:
In Quebec
In Quebec, the phrase depuis un bout is commonly used to express “recently.” For example, “J’ai acheté cette robe-là depuis un bout” (I bought that dress recently). However, it’s worth noting that this expression is specific to Quebec and may not be as prevalent in other French-speaking regions.
In Belgium
In Belgium, the common French word used for “recently” is récemment, the same as in standard French. Therefore, there is no significant regional variation in Belgium when it comes to expressing “recently.”
Tips and Examples
Now that you have a range of phrases to express “recently” in French, here are some additional tips and examples to help you use them effectively:
Tip 1: Consider Context
When selecting the appropriate phrase for “recently,” consider the context. Formal settings usually demand more standard expressions, while informal situations offer more flexibility. Additionally, the relationship with your interlocutor may influence your choice of phrase.
Tip 2: Rephrase with Other Time Expressions
If you’re unsure which phrase to use for “recently,” try rephrasing the sentence with other time expressions. For instance, you could use “il y a peu de temps” (a short time ago) or “ces derniers temps” (lately) to convey a similar meaning.
Example:
J’ai lu beaucoup de livres ces derniers temps.
(I have read a lot of books recently/lately.)
Tip 3: Practice with Native Speakers
To become more confident in using these expressions, practice speaking with native French speakers. They can provide guidance on when and how to incorporate these phrases naturally into your conversations.
Example:
Thomas: Depuis combien de temps joues-tu de la guitare ?
(How long have you been playing the guitar?)
Sophie: J’ai commencé depuis peu, environ six mois.
(I started recently, about six months ago.)
With these tips and examples in mind, you’re well-equipped to incorporate “recently” into your French conversations. Remember to practice regularly and enjoy the process of expanding your linguistic abilities!
