depuis
/də.pɥi/
The French word for 'since' (referring to time) is depuis.
depuis is used as a preposition to mean 'from' or 'since' when referring to a specific point in time. It can also function as an adverb to mean 'from a specified time in the past'.
Meaning: from (time) (prep)
Which one should you use?
In English, speakers distinguish between 'since' for a starting point and 'for' for a duration. However, the French depuis can be used for both a specific starting point and a duration of time.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In informal Quebec French, the phrase y'a un moment can be used to mean 'since a while' or 'for a while'.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When using depuis to mean 'since', the French verb must be used in the present tense if the action is still ongoing.
How do you pronounce it?
depuis is pronounced /də.pɥi/ and has 2 syllables.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use the past tense with depuis by trying to translate 'has been' literally. Instead, you should use the present tense for actions that are still ongoing.
Did you know?
- While depuis is used for time, the French word depuis can also describe physical space, meaning 'from' or 'starting from' a certain point.
- The word depuis evolved from the Late Latin phrase dē post, combining a preposition and a word for 'after'.
- The phrase depuis le temps is often used as an idiom meaning 'for a very long time' or 'for ages', regardless of the actual duration.
Examples in context
- Il dort depuis midi.He has been sleeping since noon.This sentence is useful for showing how to use depuis with a specific time of day.Tatoeba #6006258 by Petrus, translation #6004050 by kiseva3
- Il pleut depuis hier.It has been raining since yesterday.Tatoeba #890853 by sacredceltic, translation #244371 by CC
- Il pleut depuis mardi.It has been raining since Tuesday.This sentence is useful for showing how to use depuis with a specific day of the week.Tatoeba #4198412 by olivier, translation #23784 by CN
- J'étudie le français depuis que j'ai déménagé en France.I have been studying French since I moved to France.
- Je vais au cinéma étant donné que c'est mon anniversaire.I am going to the movies since it's my birthday.
- 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.
- Je suis ici depuis hier.I have been here since yesterday.
- Comme il pleuvait, j'ai pris un parapluie.Since it was raining, I took an umbrella.
- 586 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gabriel and Chloé are talking about their new jobs.
- GabrielTu aimes ton travail depuis quand ?Since when have you liked your job?
- ChloéJe l'adore depuis le premier jour.I've loved it since the first day.
- GabrielC'est super, Chloé !That's great, Chloé!
- ChloéMerci, Gabriel.Thank you, Gabriel.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “since” translations and entries depuis, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries depuis, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
