Since In French — How To Use "Depuis" In French

“Depuis” (pronounced dəpɥi) in French means “since”. This page will cover how to use “depuis” with several example sentences. The word “il y a” is relate to “depuis” and means “ago.

How to use depuis

1. On going or continuing events

The word “depuis” is used with the present tense when describing an events that’s been going on for a specified amount of time and continue in the present moment.

When followed by a period of time, depuis indicates the duration of an action and means “has been occurring”. When followed by an event or specified date, depuis indicates since or “has occurred since”.

Examples expressing time duration

J’apprends le français depuis deux ans. I have been learning French for two years.
Il habite au Canada depuis six mois. He has been living in Canada for six months.
Je fais régime depuis trois mois. I have been dieting for three months.

Examples expressing event specified date

Je suis heureux depuis mon arrivé. I have been happy since I arrived.
Elle travaille dans la même société depuis novembre. She has worked in the same company since November.
Tu joues au tennis depuis ton cinqième anniversaire. You have played tennis since your third birthday.
J’habite dans le même endroit depuis janvier, 2010. I have lived in the same place since January, 2010.

Events which haven’t occurred since a specified time

If an event has not occurred since (or for) a certain amount of time, “depuis” used with the passé composé, a commonly used French past tense. What follows “depuis” can be both a duration of time or specific year or date. Here are some examples:

Je n’ai pas fumé depuis neuf ans. I haven’t smoked for nine years.
Je n’ai pas fumé depuis 2013. I haven’ smoked since 2013.

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David Issokson

David Issokson is a lifelong language enthusiast. His head is swimming with words and sounds as he speaks over six languages. Of all the languages he speaks, he's the most passionate about French! David has helped hundreds of students to improve their French in his private online lessons. When procrastinating working on his site, FrenchLearner.com, David enjoys his time skiing and hiking in Teton Valley, Idaho.

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