Level A2 (Upper Beginner)
Lesson written by French teacher David Issokson with native audio by Marie Assel Cambier, a voice artist from France.
The French Word of the Day is de temps en temps, which means “from time to time”. I chose this expression because many students find its pronunciation tricky, especially the nasal sounds and liaison. In this lesson, you’ll learn exactly how to pronounce it and use it naturally in everyday French conversation.
✅ Meaning
✅ Pronunciation
✅ Example sentences
✅ Related Words & Expressions
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📘 De temps en temps meaning
De temps en temps is a French expression meaning “from time to time”, “occasionally”, or “every now and then”. It’s used when something happens irregularly, not every day but once in a while. French speakers use it naturally in conversation to describe habits or activities that happen occasionally, like Je vais au cinéma de temps en temps (I go to the movies from time to time).
🎧 How to pronounce de temps en temps in French
The pronunciation of de temps en temps is /də tɑ̃ z‿ɑ̃ tɑ̃/ — roughly duh tahn zahn tahn. Many students find this expression tricky because it includes two nasal sounds and a liaison:
- ❌ Don’t pronounce the p in the first temps or the n in en.
- ✅ Make en nasal, like [ɑ̃] in enfant (child).
- ✅ Link the words with a liaison: de tɑ̃ z‿ɑ̃ tɑ̃ (note the soft z sound).
- ✅ The final temps also ends with a nasal tahn, not tamp.
In short, think of it as duh tahn zahn tahn, smooth and flowing together — no hard consonants at the end.
📝 De temps en temps example sentences
Je joue de la guitare de temps en temps.
I play the guitar from time to time.
De temps en temps, elle aime cuisiner pour ses amis.
From time to time, she likes to cook for her friends.
Nous sortons au restaurant de temps en temps.
We go out to eat from time to time.
De temps en temps, il faut se reposer un peu.
From time to time, you have to rest a little.
⏰ De temps en temps vs. parfois
De temps en temps = from time to time, used for occasional actions.
Parfois = sometimes, used for things that happen more regularly.
👉 See parfois Word of the Day lesson »
🎧 Want to master French pronunciation?
If nasal sounds and liaisons like in de temps en temps still trip you up, you’ll love the À Moi Paris audio course from French Today.
Camille does an amazing job breaking down exactly how to produce those subtle nasal vowels and smooth word links that make you sound truly French. Each lesson is built around real-life stories, recorded at three speeds so you can follow along comfortably and hear the natural rhythm of the language.
I highly recommend it for anyone serious about improving pronunciation and listening comprehension — it’s one of the best resources out there.
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🔗 Related words and expressions
- parfois — sometimes
- souvent — often
- rarement — rarely
- à l’occasion — occasionally
- par moments — at times
- quelquefois — sometimes, occasionally
🚀 Continue growing your French vocabulary!
👉 French Word of the Day »
👉 French Vocabulary lists »
👉 French for beginners guide »
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