temps verbal
/tɑ̃ vɛʁ.bal/
The English phrase "verb tense" is translated into French as temps verbal.
In practice, French speakers often simplify this by dropping the adjective and simply using temps to refer to tenses in a grammatical context. For example, the present tense is called le présent.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of temps (meaning time or tense) and verbal (meaning verbal or of a verb).
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural of temps verbal is temps verbaux. This is because temps is an invariable noun, while verbal follows the specific rule for adjectives ending in -al.
Did you know?
- French has a specific tense called the passé simple that is almost never spoken in conversation. It is used almost exclusively in formal writing and literature, making it a 'tense' that exists mostly on the page.
- The term temps verbal shares a root with the English word 'tempo'. Both derive from the Latin tempus, linking the grammatical timing of a verb to the rhythmic timing of music.
- While you might expect a distinction between 'weather' and 'tense', the single word temps covers both concepts in French. You could be discussing the 'temps' of a verb or the 'temps' outside your window.
Examples in context
- Quel temps verbal utilises-tu ici ?Which verb tense are you using here?
- Je ne comprends pas ce temps verbal.I do not understand this verb tense.
- Il faut choisir le bon temps verbal.You must choose the correct verb tense.
Example conversation
Léa is helping Gabriel with his French homework.
- LéaGabriel, quel temps verbal est utilisé dans cette phrase ?Gabriel, which verb tense is used in this sentence?
- GabrielJe ne sais pas, c'est difficile.I don't know, it is difficult.
- LéaRegarde, c'est un temps verbal du passé.Look, it is a past verb tense.
- GabrielAh, merci pour ton aide, Léa !Ah, thanks for your help, Léa!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry temps verbal, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries temps, verbal, CC BY-SA 4.0.
