très vite
The English phrase "very fast" is translated into French as très vite.
très vite is used to describe an action that happens at a high speed.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of très (very) and vite (fast/quickly).
Which one should you use?
Use the adverb très vite to describe how an action is performed, whereas the adjective très rapide is used to describe a noun, such as a car or a person.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adverb vite is invariable, meaning it does not change its form to agree with a subject's gender or number.
Did you know?
- The word vite may actually be an onomatopoeia, meaning it was originally a sound created to mimic the very sense of rapid movement.
- The word très is a linguistic relative of the English prefix 'trans-', as both come from a root meaning 'through' or 'across'.
- While très vite describes speed, French speakers often use the phrase en un clin d'œil to say something happened 'very fast'. It literally translates to 'in the blink of an eye'.
Examples in context
- Il court très vite.He runs very fast.This sentence shows how to use très vite to describe running.Tatoeba #131138 by Aiji, translation #291572 by CK
- Je parle très vite.I talk very fast.This sentence shows how to use très vite to describe talking.Tatoeba #2341439 by Amastan, translation #5858979 by CK
- Il roule très vite.He drives very fast.This sentence shows how to use très vite to describe driving.Tatoeba #5158513 by rudycogniaux, translation #292127 by CK
- Elle a terminé son travail très rapidementShe finished her work very quickly
- Le train est parti à grande vitesseThe train left at high speed
- Le coureur a terminé la course à toute allureThe runner finished the race at full speed
- J'ai fini mon travail vachement viteI finished my work very fast
- Elle court super vite!She runs super fast!
- 41 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Chloé are talking about a new train.
- LucasCe train va très vite.This train goes very fast.
- ChloéC'est vrai, on arrive déjà !It's true, we are already arriving!
- LucasLe temps passe très vite ici.Time passes very fast here.
- ChloéOui, c'est impressionnant.Yes, it is impressive.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries très, vite, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
