المعنى
To arrive or do something after the expected or scheduled time.
خلفية ثقافية
The 'quart d'heure de politesse' is a real social rule. Arriving exactly on time for a private dinner can be seen as slightly rude as the host might still be preparing. In French-speaking Switzerland (Romandie), punctuality is extremely important. Being even 2 minutes 'en retard' for a business meeting is considered unprofessional. In Quebec, 'être en retard' is standard, but you might also hear 'être mal pris' if someone is stuck in traffic or a situation causing the delay. In many West African Francophone countries, 'l'heure africaine' refers to a more relaxed approach to time. 'Être en retard' is often expected and not socially penalized in casual settings.
The 'Je suis tard' Trap
This is the #1 mistake for English speakers. Always remember: People are 'en retard', the night is 'tard'.
Specifying Time
Always use 'de' to say how late you are: 'Je suis en retard de 5 minutes.'
المعنى
To arrive or do something after the expected or scheduled time.
The 'Je suis tard' Trap
This is the #1 mistake for English speakers. Always remember: People are 'en retard', the night is 'tard'.
Specifying Time
Always use 'de' to say how late you are: 'Je suis en retard de 5 minutes.'
The Apology
In France, if you are late, a simple 'Désolé, je suis en retard' is usually enough. Don't over-explain unless it's a major delay.
Transport
If you see 'RETARD' on a screen at a French station, it's followed by the number of minutes. It's the most important word for travelers!
اختبر نفسك
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'être en retard'.
Désolé, je ___ ___ ___ de cinq minutes.
We use the verb 'être' conjugated for 'je' (suis) followed by 'en retard'.
Which sentence is correct to say 'The train is late'?
Choisissez la bonne phrase :
'Tard' is for time of day, and 'en retard' is the correct phrase for schedules.
Fill in the missing part of the dialogue.
A: Pourquoi tu cours ? B: Parce que je ___ ___ ___ pour mon cours !
In this context, 'suis en retard' is the most natural way to express being late for a class.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are 15 minutes late for a dinner at a friend's house in Paris.
In French culture, 15 minutes late to a social dinner is often considered 'on time'.
🎉 النتيجة: /4
وسائل تعلم بصرية
En Retard vs. Tard
بنك التمارين
4 تمارينDésolé, je ___ ___ ___ de cinq minutes.
We use the verb 'être' conjugated for 'je' (suis) followed by 'en retard'.
Choisissez la bonne phrase :
'Tard' is for time of day, and 'en retard' is the correct phrase for schedules.
A: Pourquoi tu cours ? B: Parce que je ___ ___ ___ pour mon cours !
In this context, 'suis en retard' is the most natural way to express being late for a class.
You are 15 minutes late for a dinner at a friend's house in Paris.
In French culture, 15 minutes late to a social dinner is often considered 'on time'.
🎉 النتيجة: /4
الأسئلة الشائعة
12 أسئلةYes, it is perfectly natural for any social appointment.
'En retard' means behind schedule. 'Tard' means late in the day/night.
It's not rude, but it's very informal. Use it with friends, not your boss.
You can say 'Je vais être en retard' or 'Je suis en retard'. French doesn't have a direct equivalent for 'running' late.
No, 'en retard' is an adverbial phrase and never changes gender.
It's often used for transport ('Le train a du retard') or projects that are behind schedule.
Socially, yes. Professionally, it's better to be exactly on time.
'Veuillez m'excuser pour ce retard' is a very professional way to start.
In a clinical sense, 'retard mental' exists, but it is increasingly replaced by 'handicap mental'. In daily life, 'en retard' only refers to time.
It's a noun for a person who is habitually or currently late.
Yes, this means you are behind on your work tasks.
Usually, but it can follow 'arriver' or 'se retrouver'.
عبارات ذات صلة
À l'heure
contrastOn time
En avance
contrastEarly
Être à la bourre
synonymTo be in a rush/late
Avoir du retard
similarTo have a delay
Tard
builds onLate (time of day)
