French time vocabulary, including the difference between temps, heure, and fois, with examples and usage explanations.
Understanding how to talk about time in French involves more than just knowing the word for “time.” French has several words that correspond to different concepts of time, including temps, heure, and fois. Each has its own specific meaning and usage. This guide explains the difference between these three words and shows how to use them correctly.
Overview
- temps = time (general, abstract, or duration)
- heure = hour / time on the clock / specific time
- fois = time / instance / occurrence
These words come from the same root but have different roles in French grammar and meaning.
Temps
Temps is the general word for “time.” It can refer to time as a concept, the passage of time, or a length of time (duration). It can also appear in expressions about weather.
- Example: Le temps passe vite. (Time passes quickly.)
- Example: J’ai besoin de plus de temps. (I need more time.)
- Example: Quel temps fait-il ? (What’s the weather like?)
Usage
- Refers to time in an abstract or general sense.
- Used to talk about durations or how much time something takes.
- Can also mean “weather” in certain contexts.
Heure
Heure means “hour” or “time” in the sense of a specific point on the clock. It’s used when telling time or referring to a scheduled time.
- Example: Il est trois heures. (It’s three o’clock.)
- Example: J’ai un rendez-vous à 10 heures. (I have an appointment at 10 o’clock.)
- Example: À quelle heure part le train ? (What time does the train leave?)
Usage
- Refers to a specific time of day.
- Used with numbers to tell the time or set appointments.
- Singular heure becomes plural heures when talking about multiple hours.
Fois
Fois means “time” in the sense of an occurrence or instance — how many times something happens. It’s a countable noun.
- Example: C’est la première fois que je visite Paris. (It’s the first time I’m visiting Paris.)
- Example: J’ai vu ce film trois fois. (I’ve seen this movie three times.)
- Example: Chaque fois qu’il arrive, il est en retard. (Every time he arrives, he’s late.)
Usage
- Refers to specific occurrences or instances.
- Can be singular (fois) or plural, but plural looks the same (trois fois).
- Often used with numbers, ordinal numbers (première fois), and expressions like “chaque fois” (each time).
Summary
| French Word | Meaning | Usage | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| temps | time (general, abstract, duration) | Talking about time as a concept, durations, or even weather | J’ai besoin de plus de temps. (I need more time.) |
| heure | hour / time on the clock | Referring to specific times of day or schedules | Il est huit heures. (It’s eight o’clock.) |
| fois | time / instance / occurrence | Counting how many times something happens | J’ai vu ce film deux fois. (I’ve seen this movie twice.) |
Understanding the difference between temps, heure, and fois is key to expressing time accurately in French.
Which French word is used to count how many times something happens?
fois
Fois is used for counting occurrences or instances — how many times something happens.
Flashcards (1 of 3)
- Meaning: time (general, abstract, duration)
- Usage: Talking about time as a concept, durations, or even weather
- Example: J’ai besoin de plus de temps. (I need more time.)
Last updated: Thu Jun 12, 2025
