The French words temps, heure, and fois are often related to the concept of time but have distinct meanings and uses. Here’s how to tell them apart:
. Temps (time)
Temps is a general, abstract noun meaning “time” as a concept. It can refer to time in a broad sense, duration, the passage of time, or even “weather” depending on the context.
- Temps is uncountable. You do not pluralize it when speaking of time (though les temps can mean “the times” in a historical or literary sense).
- It often describes duration or the idea of time passing.
- It is used in many fixed expressions (e.g., prendre son temps, temps libre).
. Heure (hour/time)
Heure means “hour” or a specific point in time on the clock.
- It is a countable noun and can be pluralized (heures).
- It refers to clock time (e.g., 3:00 p.m. is trois heures de l’après-midi).
- It can also mean “time” in the sense of an appointed time or moment (e.g., l’heure du rendez-vous).
in two ___
deux heures
Expressing a duration until an event uses **heures** when referring to clock time, as in **dans deux heures** (“in two hours”). **Temps** would be too general, and **fois** is for counting occurrences.
. Fois (time/occurrence)
Fois means “time” in the sense of an occurrence or instance — how many times something happens.
- It is always countable and usually preceded by a number or expression of quantity (e.g., deux fois, plusieurs fois).
- It refers to the repetition or counting of events, not to clock time or duration.
- Fois is invariable: it takes an -s in the plural, but you never change it for singular or other cases.
several ___
plusieurs fois
**Plusieurs fois** means “several times,” using **fois** to count occurrences. You cannot use **heures** (hours) or **temps** (time) when counting how many times something happens.
Summary
- Temps = time (general idea, duration, passage)
- Heure = hour/time on the clock/specific moment
- Fois = time as an occurrence/instance (how many times something happens)
Example Sentences
| Word | French Example | English Example |
|---|---|---|
| temps | J’ai besoin de plus de temps. | I need more time. |
| heure | Il est six heures du soir. | It is six o’clock in the evening. |
| fois | J’ai vu ce film deux fois. | I have seen this movie twice. |
Flashcards (1 of 3)
- Word: temps
- English Example: I need more time.
Last updated: Wed Jun 18, 2025
