Bienvenue! If you are learning French, you may have come across the need to express the concept of “since.” Whether you want to talk about a starting point, a duration, or a cause, this guide will provide you with both formal and informal ways to say “since” in French. We’ll explore various examples, tips, and even touch on regional variations if necessary. Alors, continuons ensemble!
Table of Contents
1. Formal Ways to Say “Since” in French
When it comes to more formal language, French offers specific expressions to convey the meaning of “since”. Let’s take a look at some of them:
Depuis que – Literally meaning “since that.”
Example: J’étudie le français depuis que j’ai déménagé en France. (I have been studying French since I moved to France.)
Étant donné que – Equivalent to “given that” or “considering that.”
Example: Je vais au cinéma étant donné que c’est mon anniversaire. (I am going to the movies since it’s my birthday.)
Puisque – Meaning “because” or “since.”
Example: Je ne peux pas sortir, puisque j’ai beaucoup de devoirs à faire. (I can’t go out since I have a lot of homework to do.)
2. Informal Ways to Say “Since” in French
When speaking casually, French offers some more colloquial expressions to express “since.” Here are a few of them:
Depuis – A simplified version of “depuis que.”
Example: Je suis ici depuis hier. (I have been here since yesterday.)
Parce que – Equivalent to “because.”
Example: J’ai mangé avant le film, parce que je n’avais pas faim. (I ate before the movie because I wasn’t hungry.)
Comme – Meaning “like” or “as.”
Example: Comme il pleuvait, j’ai pris un parapluie. (Since it was raining, I took an umbrella.)
3. Tips for Using “Since” in French
Now that we’ve examined the different ways to say “since,” here are some tips to help you master their usage:
- Pay attention to verb tenses: In French, the verb tense used after expressions of “since” may differ from English. For example, instead of using the present perfect tense in English (“I have done something since…”), French often uses the present tense (“Je fais quelque chose depuis…”).
- Distinguish between duration and cause: Depending on the context, the French expressions for “since” can indicate either duration or cause. Make sure to understand the intended meaning.
- Practice with different examples: To solidify your understanding, create sentences that use each expression for “since” in various contexts.
- Listen to native speakers: Tune in to French podcasts, watch movies, or engage in conversations to familiarize yourself with the nuances and usage of these expressions.
4. Regional Variations
While the expressions mentioned so far are generally used across the French-speaking world, it’s worth mentioning that regional variations may exist. These variations may include local phrases or colloquialisms unique to specific French-speaking areas.
For example, in Quebec, Canada, you might come across the expression “y’a” as a shortened form of “il y a” (there is/there are). In informal Quebec French, you could say “y’a un moment” to mean “since a while” or “for a while.”
However, it’s important to note that these regional variations are not essential for everyday communication in French. The previously mentioned expressions will serve you well in most contexts.
Conclusion
Voilà! You have now explored a comprehensive guide on how to say “since” in French. From the formal expressions like “depuis que” to the more casual alternatives such as “parce que,” you now have a variety of ways to convey the concept of “since” in different situations. Remember the tips, practice with examples, and immerse yourself in listening to native French speakers to enhance your understanding and fluency. Bonne chance!
