Difference Between Depuis, Pendant, and Pour?

A common question among French learners is: What’s the difference between depuis, pendant, and pour? All three words relate to time, but they are used in different contexts. Let’s clarify their differences with examples!

1. Depuis – Since or For

Depuis is used to indicate a starting point in time and is often translated as “since” or “for” in English. It describes an action that began in the past and continues into the present.

  • Example 1:
    • J’étudie le français depuis trois ans.
      (I have been studying French for three years.)

    Here, depuis indicates the duration of study that started three years ago and continues now.

  • Example 2:
    • Elle vit à Paris depuis 2010.
      (She has been living in Paris since 2010.)

    In this case, depuis indicates the starting point of her residence in Paris.

  • Example 3:
    • Nous attendons le bus depuis une heure.
      (We have been waiting for the bus for an hour.)

    Here, depuis indicates the duration of waiting.

  • Example 4:
    • Il travaille ici depuis qu’il a terminé ses études.
      (He has been working here since he finished his studies.)

    This example shows depuis linking a past event to the present.

2. Pendant – During or For

Pendant is used to describe actions that occurred during a specific period of time in the past, or it can indicate a duration that is complete. It translates as “during” or “for” in English.

  • Example 1:
    • J’ai étudié pendant deux heures.
      (I studied for two hours.)

    Here, pendant indicates a completed duration of study.

  • Example 2:
    • Ils sont partis pendant les vacances.
      (They left during the holidays.)

    In this case, pendant indicates when the action of leaving took place.

  • Example 3:
    • Nous avons visité le musée pendant notre séjour.
      (We visited the museum during our stay.)

    Here, pendant specifies the time frame of the museum visit.

  • Example 4:
    • Il a plu pendant toute la journée.
      (It rained all day.)

    This example shows pendant indicating the duration of the rain.

3. Pour – For or To

Pour is used to indicate a future intention, purpose, or duration. It translates as “for” or “to” in English and is often used to express future actions or goals.

  • Example 1:
    • Je pars pour Paris demain.
      (I am leaving for Paris tomorrow.)

    Here, pour indicates the destination of the future action.

  • Example 2:
    • C’est un cadeau pour toi.
      (It’s a gift for you.)

    In this case, pour indicates the purpose of the gift.

  • Example 3:
    • Nous allons étudier pour l’examen.
      (We are going to study for the exam.)

    Here, pour indicates the intention of studying.

  • Example 4:
    • Il a besoin de deux jours pour terminer le projet.
      (He needs two days to finish the project.)

    This example shows pour indicating the required time for a future action.

Summary of Usage:

  • Use Depuis when:
    • Indicating a starting point in the past that continues into the present (since, for).
  • Use Pendant when:
    • Describing a completed action during a specific period in the past (during, for).
  • Use Pour when:
    • Indicating a future intention or purpose (for, to).
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