rattraper le temps perdu
The phrase to catch up in French is translated as rattraper le temps perdu.
The phrase rattraper le temps perdu is used when you want to do something that you did not have time to do earlier. Depending on the context, there are other ways to express catching up: use Se mettre à jour to mean catching up on the latest developments or information or use the informal Se raconter les dernières nouvelles to mean catching up by exchanging updates or stories.
How does it change in a sentence?
While English speakers say 'catch up on [something]', the French phrase rattraper le temps perdu is a fixed idiomatic expression. It translates literally to 'catching up the lost time' and does not take a direct object, such as 'le travail' (the work), immediately after it.
Did you know?
- The phrase rattraper le temps perdu is the title of a famous volume in Marcel Proust's seven-part novel In Search of Lost Time, where it signifies recovering the past through memory.
- In a romantic context, rattraper le temps perdu can imply the rekindling of a romance with an old flame after many years of separation.
- The verb attraper in rattraper shares a root with the English word 'trap'.
Examples in context
- J'aimerais prendre de vos nouvellesI would like to catch up with you.
- Nous devons nous mettre à jour sur cette questionWe need to catch up on this matter.
- On doit rattraper le temps perdu, ça fait trop longtemps !We need to catch up, it's been too long!
- Appelle-moi ce soir pour qu'on se raconte les dernières nouvellesCall me tonight so we can catch up on the latest news.
- Je dois rattraper le temps perdu.I have to catch up (on lost time).
- Je dois rattraper le temps perdu ce week-end.I have to catch up on lost time this weekend.
- Nous allons rattraper le temps perdu en travaillant tard.We are going to catch up on lost time by working late.
- Il est temps de rattraper le temps perdu.It is time to catch up on lost time.
Example conversation
Lucas and Manon are discussing their busy work schedules at a cafe.
- LucasJe suis très en retard sur mes projets.I am very behind on my projects.
- ManonTu devrais rattraper le temps perdu demain.You should catch up on lost time tomorrow.
- LucasOui, je vais essayer de finir tout ça.Yes, I am going to try to finish all this.
- ManonBon courage, Lucas !Good luck, Lucas!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries le, rattraper, temps, CC BY-SA 4.0.
