Bonjour! Are you looking to expand your French vocabulary and express the concept of “until”? In this guide, we’ll explore various ways to say “until” in the French language, including formal and informal expressions, along with useful tips and examples. So, let’s dive in!
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Formal Ways to Say “Until” in French
When you want to use a more formal style in French, consider using the following expressions to convey the meaning of “until”:
- Jusqu’à: This is the most common and versatile word for “until” in French. It can be used in various contexts and works well in both spoken and written French. Let’s see an example:
Je travaille jusqu’à six heures. (I work until six o’clock.)
- Jusqu’au moment où: This phrase translates to “until the moment when” and is commonly used in formal settings. It emphasizes a specific time or event. Here’s an example:
J’attendrai ici jusqu’au moment où tu reviendras. (I will wait here until the moment you come back.)
- Au plus tard: Meaning “at the latest,” this expression is particularly useful when referring to deadlines or the latest possible time. Take a look at the example:
Tu dois rendre ton devoir au plus tard demain matin. (You must hand in your assignment at the latest tomorrow morning.)
Informal Ways to Say “Until” in French
If you want to adopt a more informal tone in your conversations, here are some expressions you can use to convey the meaning of “until” in French:
- Jusqu’à ce que: This is a slightly more colloquial way of saying “until” in French, and it can be used in a variety of contexts. Here’s an example:
Je vais jouer jusqu’à ce que tu arrives. (I’ll play until you arrive.)
- Jusqu’à ce moment-là: Meaning “until that moment,” this expression is commonly used in informal conversations. Let’s see an example:
Attends ici jusqu’à ce moment-là. (Wait here until that moment.)
- Avant: Although it primarily means “before,” in a more casual context, “avant” can also be used to express “until.” Here’s an example:
Viens me voir avant six heures. (Come see me before six o’clock.)
Tips and Regional Variations
When using the word “until” in French, keep the following tips in mind:
Tip: In French, the word “until” is generally placed after the verb, unlike in English where it often comes before the verb.
While there are no significant regional variations in expressing “until” in French, it’s worth mentioning that native French speakers may use subtle variations depending on their regional dialects. These differences are usually minor and won’t hinder your communication. French is a wonderfully diverse language!
Summing It Up
Now you have a repertoire of ways to express “until” in French. Use the formal expressions for professional settings or written correspondence, while the informal ones will work great in casual conversations. Remember to pay attention to sentence structure, and don’t hesitate to listen to native French speakers to get a better grasp of the nuances.
Continue practicing, and soon you’ll master the art of saying “until” in French effortlessly. Bonne chance!
