le temps passe vite
The English phrase 'time flies' is translated into French as le temps passe vite.
This phrase is used to express that time seems to pass quickly. While le temps passe vite is a standard way to say this, you may also encounter more idiomatic or informal variations to describe time whizzing by.
Meaning: time seems to pass quickly (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of le temps (the time), passe (passes) and vite (fast/quickly).
Which one should you use?
While the English idiom uses the verb 'to fly', the French version uses the verb passer (to pass). Other ways to express this include le temps file, which is a more idiomatic way to say time is darting or streaking by and le temps défile, which suggests time is whizzing by. Additionally, le temps file à toute allure serves as an informal expression for the same concept.
How does it change in a sentence?
Unlike the English idiom 'time flies' which uses the verb 'to fly', the French equivalent uses the verb passer (to pass).
Did you know?
- In French, le temps refers to both 'time' and 'weather', meaning a sentence about time flying could be misinterpreted in a meteorological context without a clear subject.
- While le temps passe vite is common, the more poetic le temps file comes from the verb filer, which describes the action of spinning thread on a spool.
- The word vite may actually be derived from the Latin vidēre, meaning 'to see', originally implying something happened so fast it was only just seen.
Examples in context
- Le temps passe vite.Time flies.This sentence is a simple statement that time flies.Tatoeba #429487 by gasche, translation #263886 by CK
- Comme le temps passe vite !How time flies!This sentence is used to exclaim how quickly time passes.Tatoeba #11155019 by Fenrir, translation #240401 by CM
- Les années filent.The years fly by.
- Le temps passe vite quand on s'amuse.Time flies when you're having fun.
- Comme le temps passe ! Noël est déjà arrivé.How time flies! Christmas is already here.
- Comme le temps passe vite, il faut profiter de chaque instant.How time flies, we must enjoy every moment.
- Le temps file à toute allure quand on est en bonne compagnie.Time flies when you're in good company.
- Le temps file à toute vitesse, je ne vois pas les jours passer.Time is flying by so fast, I don't see the days go by.
- On se revoit bientôt, le temps défile en ce moment.We'll see each other soon, time is flying by right now.
- Je ne peux pas croire que les vacances sont déjà terminées, le temps défile.I can't believe the holidays are already over, time is flying by.
- Le temps file à toute allure !Time is flying by at full speed!
- On dirait que le temps passe vite pendant les vacances.It seems like time flies during vacations.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about how much their children have grown.
- HugoRegarde comme ton fils a grandi !Look how much your son has grown!
- ChloéC'est vrai, le temps passe vite.It's true, time flies.
- HugoIl est déjà presque majeur, c'est incroyable.He is almost an adult, it's incredible.
- ChloéOui, je n'ai pas vu les années défiler.Yes, I didn't see the years go by.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “time flies” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries le, temps, vite, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
