emploi du temps
/ɑ̃.plwa dy tɑ̃/masculine, usually
The English word 'timetable' can be translated into French as emploi du temps or horaire.
Meaning: a structured schedule of events (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| horaire | /ɔ.ʁɛʁ/ | masculine, usually |
| emploi du temps | /ɑ̃.plwa dy tɑ̃/ | masculine, usually |
The term you choose depends on whether you are discussing a fixed, technical schedule or a person's individual routine.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase emploi du temps literally translates to 'use of time'.
Which one should you use?
Use horaire when referring to a fixed schedule of times, such as for public transport or business opening hours. Use emploi du temps when referring to a person's daily routine, such as a student's class schedule or a professional's agenda.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, the phrase horaire de cours may be used instead of emploi du temps when referring specifically to a school timetable.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The word horaire can be used in its plural form, horaires, to refer to multiple schedules or a set of operating hours.
Did you know?
- Because emploi is derived from the verb employer, the phrase emploi du temps implies that time is a resource being actively put to work.
- The word temps is a close relative of the English word 'tempo', both tracing back to the Latin 'tempus'.
- The English word 'temporary' and the French word 'temps' share the same Latin root, meaning they are distant cousins.
Examples in context
- Y a-t-il un horaire ?Is there a timetable?This sentence is useful for asking if a timetable exists using horaire.Tatoeba #4115583 by sacredceltic, translation #3730482 by CM
- Puis-je disposer d'un horaire ?May I have a timetable?This sentence is useful for requesting a timetable using horaire.Tatoeba #1522054 by sacredceltic, translation #264084 by CK
- Cet horaire ne mentionne que l'arrivée des trains.This timetable only mentions the train arrivals.This sentence is useful for noting that a timetable only mentions train arrivals using horaire.Tatoeba #12433042 by felix63, translation #13812973 by tieguy
- Quel est l'horaire du train ?What is the train timetable?
- Nous devons discuter du planning de la réunionWe need to discuss the timetable for the meeting.
- Le programme du congrès sera publié demainThe program/timetable for the conference will be published tomorrow.
- Je dois vérifier mon emploi du temps avant de prendre un engagementI need to check my timetable before committing.
- Je consulte mon agenda pour voir si je peux me libérerI'll check my timetable/social calendar to see if I can free up.
- Quel est ton horaire aujourd'hui ?What's your timetable/schedule for today?
- Pouvez-vous me donner l'horaire du bus ?Can you give me the bus timetable?
- Je dois consulter mon planning avant de prendre un engagement.I must check my timetable/schedule before committing.
- Où puis-je trouver le programme des événements ?Where can I find the events timetable/program?
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two students are discussing their university classes.
- LucasManon, as-tu vu le nouvel emploi du temps ?Manon, have you seen the new timetable?
- ManonNon, je n'ai pas encore regardé.No, I haven't looked yet.
- LucasIl est disponible sur le site de l'école.It is available on the school website.
- ManonMerci, je vais le vérifier tout de suite.Thanks, I will check it right away.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “timetable” translations and entries horaire, emploi du temps, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries du, emploi, horaire, temps, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
