How to Say “Two Years Ago” in French

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il y a deux ans
The English phrase "two years ago" is translated into French as il y a deux ans.
The expression il y a deux ans is used to refer to a specific point in time that occurred two years before the present moment.

What does it mean word for word?

The phrase literally translates to "there is two years", where il y a means "there is/are", deux means "two" and ans means "years".

Which one should you use?

While il y a deux ans is the standard expression, you may encounter other variations depending on the tone or location. Il y a de cela deux ans is used for a more poetic or formal effect, while Il y a deux ans de ça is a colloquial and informal way to say the same thing.

Is it said differently in some regions?

In Canadian French, the phrase Il y a deux ans passé is used to express "two years ago".

What mistakes should you avoid?

Avoid using depuis deux ans to mean "two years ago". In French, depuis means "for" or "since" and is used for actions that began two years ago and are still continuing in the present.

Did you know?

  • The word ans specifically refers to completed years of age or calendar years, a distinction from the word année which focuses on the duration of the period.
  • The y in il y a is a descendant of the Latin word hīc, meaning 'here'.

Examples in context

  • Taro est mort il y a deux ans.
    Taro died two years ago.
    This sentence is useful for mentioning a past death using il y a deux ans.
    Tatoeba #129126 by Aiji, translation #275177 by CN
  • Il est allé à Paris il y a deux ans.
    He went to Paris two years ago.
    This sentence is useful for describing a past trip to Paris using il y a deux ans.
    Tatoeba #130608 by sysko, translation #288506 by CN
  • Mon père est décédé il y a deux ans.
    My father passed away two years ago.
    This sentence is useful for a more formal way to mention a passing using il y a deux ans.
    Tatoeba #3047346 by serpico, translation #318940 by CK
  • J'ai visité Paris il y a deux ans.
    I visited Paris two years ago.
  • Ce projet a été initié il y a de cela deux ans.
    This project was initiated two years ago.
  • 41 more sentences on Tatoeba

Example conversation

Emma and Lucas are talking about their old apartment.

  1. Emma

    Tu habites dans ce quartier depuis quand ?
    How long have you lived in this neighborhood?
  2. Lucas

    J'ai emménagé il y a deux ans.
    I moved in two years ago.
  3. Emma

    C'est génial, Lucas, c'est un très beau quartier.
    That's great, Lucas, it is a very beautiful neighborhood.
  4. Lucas

    Oui, j'aime beaucoup vivre ici.
    Yes, I really like living here.

Sources

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Courtney Amanda
Courtney AmandaHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.
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