Bonjour! Are you looking to add the phrase “since when” to your French vocabulary? Whether you want to express confusion, curiosity, or surprise, this guide will provide you with all the information you need. We’ll cover the formal and informal ways to say “since when” in French, along with some helpful tips and examples. So, let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Since When” in French
In formal French, you can use the following phrases to ask “since when”:
1. Depuis quand…
2. À partir de quand…
3. Depuis combien de temps…
Here are some examples showcasing the formal use of these phrases:
- Depuis quand attends-tu cette nouvelle? – Since when have you been waiting for this news?
- À partir de quand seras-tu disponible? – Since when will you be available?
- Depuis combien de temps travaillez-vous ici? – Since when have you been working here?
Informal Ways to Say “Since When” in French
If you’re conversing with friends or in informal settings, you can use the following phrases to ask “since when” in French:
1. Depuis quand…
2. Depuis quand est-ce que…
3. Depuis combien de temps…
Let’s see some examples exemplifying the informal use of these phrases:
- Depuis quand tu joues de la guitare? – Since when have you been playing guitar?
- Depuis quand est-ce que vous vous connaissez? – Since when have you known each other?
- Depuis combien de temps tu travailles ici? – Since when have you been working here?
Regional Variations
French is spoken across various regions, and you might come across some regional variations in everyday conversations. Here are a couple of examples:
1. Depuis quand est-ce que…
2. Ça fait depuis quand…
These variations are commonly used in some regions, particularly in Quebec. Here are some examples:
- Depuis quand est-ce que tu chantes dans cette chorale? – Since when have you been singing in this choir?
- Ça fait depuis quand tu habites ici? – Since when have you been living here?
Note that these regional variations might not be as widely used, but they can still be heard in certain French-speaking communities.
Additional Tips for Using “Since When” in French
Now that you know the formal, informal, and regional variations, here are some additional tips to help you use “since when” effectively:
- Pay attention to intonation: Using the proper intonation while asking “since when” will help convey the appropriate tone.
- Be mindful of context: Consider the situation and the relationship with the person before choosing the formal or informal expression.
- Practice makes perfect: As with any new phrase, practice using “since when” in various contexts to become more comfortable with it.
- Listen and learn: Pay attention to native French speakers to pick up on nuances and variations of the phrase.
As you become more familiar with the usage of “since when” in French, you’ll be able to express your curiosity and surprise effortlessly in any context!
To summarize, “since when” can be expressed as “depuis quand,” “à partir de quand,” or “depuis combien de temps” in formal French, whereas in informal settings, you can use “depuis quand,” “depuis quand est-ce que,” or “depuis combien de temps.” Regional variations like “depuis quand est-ce que” and “ça fait depuis quand” are specific to certain French-speaking regions such as Quebec.
We hope this guide has been helpful in expanding your French vocabulary. Keep practicing, have fun with your language learning journey, and enjoy expressing your curiosity in French!
Au revoir et bonne chance! (Goodbye and good luck!)
