temps
/tɑ̃/masculine
The French word for the English phrase 'time' is temps.
temps is a masculine noun used to refer to the measurement of a quantity of time. It is also used to refer to the weather, such as in the question quel temps fait-il ? (how is the weather?). If you wish to express the action of measuring time, the verb chronométrer is used.
Meaning: measurement of a quantity of time (noun)
Which one should you use?
While temps refers to a measurement of time, it is also the same word used when discussing the weather.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
temps is a singular masculine noun. Even though it ends in an 's', it does not change its form when used in the singular.
How do you pronounce it?
/tɑ̃/
Did you know?
- While temps means 'time', French speakers use the word fois to count how often something happens. For example, to say 'three times', you must use trois fois instead of trois temps.
- In French grammar, the word temps is used to refer to a verb 'tense'. This means the same word used for the weather and the clock is also used for the present or past tense.
- The expression prendre son temps does not just mean to not rush, but often reflects a culturally valued French philosophy of a slow and leisurely pace of life.
Examples in context
- Il est temps !It's about time.This sentence is useful for expressing that it is time for something to happen using temps.Tatoeba #1921930 by sacredceltic, translation #41699 by CK
- Pas le temps !No time!This sentence shows how to express a lack of time using temps.Tatoeba #9025656 by Micsmithel, translation #8860259 by moxy
- Tu as le temps.You have time.This sentence demonstrates having time using temps.Tatoeba #4040774 by ikui, translation #2255000 by CK
- Il est huit heuresIt is eight o'clock.
- Il est huit heures précisesIt is exactly eight o'clock.
- Il est huit heures et quartIt is a quarter past eight.
- Il est midiIt is noon.
- Il est minuitIt is midnight.
- 3740 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma and Hugo are discussing their schedule for the afternoon.
- EmmaEst-ce qu'on a le temps pour un café ?Do we have time for a coffee?
- HugoNon, je manque de temps aujourd'hui.No, I am short on time today.
- EmmaDommage, Hugo, on se voit plus tard ?Too bad, Hugo, shall we see each other later?
- HugoOui, à ce soir !Yes, see you tonight!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “time” translations and entries temps, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
