Skip to main content
French Level 1 noun

temps

/tɑ̃/

Definition

The word "temps" means both "time" (the passing of hours, days, etc.) and "weather" (the current outdoor conditions). Context tells you which meaning is intended.

Example

Je n'ai pas le temps de sortir aujourd'hui.

Show translation

I don't have time to go out today.

Etymology

From Latin *tempus* ("time, season, weather"), which gave rise to both core meanings still present in modern French. The same Latin root yielded English "temporal" and "tense" (grammatical).

Cultural note

The double meaning of *temps* is a genuine and frequent source of confusion for English speakers. "Quel temps fait-il ?" means "What's the weather like?" — NOT "What time is it?" (which is "Quelle heure est-il ?"). Weather small-talk is just as central to French social life as it is in English, so this word comes up constantly. Also note: *avoir le temps* (to have time) vs. *il fait beau temps* (the weather is nice).

Browse all French words →