Level A2 (Upper Beginner)
Lesson written by French teacher David Issokson for students who want to learn French online, with native audio by Marie Assel Cambier, a voice artist from France.
The Word of the Day is à la fois, meaning “at the same time.” I chose this expression because, while it seems simple at first glance, it has several key uses that you’ll want to master to sound more natural and fluent in French. Keep reading!
✅ Meaning
✅ Pronunciation
✅ Example sentences
✅ Related Words & Expressions
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📘 À la fois meaning
The French expression à la fois translates literally to “at the time” and means “at the same time,” “at once,” or “both… and…” depending on the context. It’s used to describe two actions or qualities that occur or exist simultaneously. Quick examples:
1️⃣ J’étudie et j’écoute de la musique à la fois.
I study and listen to music at the same time.
2️⃣ Ne parlez pas tous à la fois !
Don’t all speak at once!
3️⃣ Il est à la fois ambitieux et modeste.
He is both ambitious and humble.
🎧 How to pronounce à la fois in French
👉 The pronunciation of à la fois is /a la fwa/ — roughly ah lah fwah.
📝 À la fois example sentences
Elle rit et pleure à la fois, émue par le souvenir.
She laughs and cries at the same time, moved by the memory.
C’est triste et beau à la fois.
It’s both sad and beautiful.
Elle est à la fois forte et gentille.
She is both strong and kind.
Ce livre est à la fois intéressant et difficile.
This book is both interesting and difficult.
👉 See also: Tout à coup (suddenly) — Word of the Day »
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🔗 Related words and expressions
- en même temps — at the same time
- simultanément — simultaneously
- tout à coup (full lesson) — all of a sudden
- ensemble — together
- courir deux lièvres à la fois — to try to do two things at once
- une chose à la fois — one thing at a time
- tous à la fois — all at once
- deux à la fois — two at a time
✏️ Related Word of the Day lesson
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