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Mastering Time Prepositions in French

Navigating time in French requires more than just a clock; it requires the right prepositions. Whether you're scheduling a meeting or reminiscing about the past, using the correct term is key. Practice these patterns with PrepMyFrench interactive exercises to build your fluency.

Precision & Periods

Precise Moments

Use these when you are pinpointing a specific time, day, or date. Check our guide on French Articles to see how they interact with time expressions.

À 8 heuresAt 8 o'clock
Le lundiOn Mondays
En octobreIn October

General Periods

For broader timeframes like seasons or centuries, French uses specific markers. Not sure about the verb tense? Check the PrepMyFrench verb conjugator for help.

Au printempsIn the spring
En étéIn the summer
Au XXe siècleIn the 20th century

The Duration Battle

depuis
Still Happening

Ongoing Action

Used for actions that started in the past and continue now.

"J'habite ici depuis deux ans"
pendant
Finished

Completed Duration

Used for actions that lasted for a specific time and are now over.

"J'ai dormi pendant huit heures"
pour
Future Intent

Planned Duration

Used for a duration intended for the future.

"Je pars pour trois jours"

Logic & Flow

Temporal Sequence

BeforeAvant de / Avant
Avant de manger, je me lave les mains (Before eating, I wash my hands)
AfterAprès avoir / Après
Après le film, nous sommes partis (After the movie, we left)

The Countdown

In (Future)Dans
Le train part dans dix minutes (The train leaves in ten minutes)
In (Duration)En
J'ai fini le livre en deux jours (I finished the book in two days)

Quick Comparison: When vs. How Long?

When?

Je pars dans une heure

Focuses on the starting point in the future.

How Long?

Je voyage pendant une heure

Focuses on the total length of the activity.