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.
- J’étudie le français depuis trois ans.
- 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.
- Elle vit à Paris depuis 2010.
- 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.
- Nous attendons le bus depuis une heure.
- 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.
- Il travaille ici depuis qu’il a terminé ses études.
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.
- J’ai étudié pendant deux heures.
- 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.
- Ils sont partis pendant les vacances.
- 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.
- Nous avons visité le musée pendant notre séjour.
- Example 4:
- Il a plu pendant toute la journée.
(It rained all day.)
This example shows pendant indicating the duration of the rain.
- Il a plu pendant toute la journée.
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.
- Je pars pour Paris demain.
- Example 2:
- C’est un cadeau pour toi.
(It’s a gift for you.)
In this case, pour indicates the purpose of the gift.
- C’est un cadeau pour toi.
- Example 3:
- Nous allons étudier pour l’examen.
(We are going to study for the exam.)
Here, pour indicates the intention of studying.
- Nous allons étudier pour l’examen.
- 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.
- Il a besoin de deux jours pour terminer le projet.
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).