durer en 30 segundos
- Durer means to last or continue for a period of time.
- It's used for events, situations, and objects.
- Conjugates like a regular -er verb.
- Commonly used with time expressions.
The French verb 'durer' is a fundamental word that describes the continuation of something over time. It essentially means 'to last', 'to endure', or 'to continue'. Think of it as the duration of an event, a feeling, a situation, or even a physical object. It's used in a wide range of contexts, from everyday conversations to more formal discussions.
When you want to express that something doesn't stop immediately, or that it persists for a certain period, 'durer' is the verb you'll reach for. It can apply to things that are expected to last, like a contract or a friendship, as well as things that might surprisingly last, like a particular mood or a challenging situation. It's a versatile verb that helps paint a picture of time passing and things persisting.
Imagine a long, hot summer day. You might say, 'Cette chaleur va durer longtemps' (This heat will last a long time). Or, if you're talking about a movie that feels like it's going on forever, you could remark, 'Ce film semble durer des heures' (This movie seems to last for hours). It's also used for more abstract concepts. If someone is experiencing a period of sadness, they might say, 'Mon chagrin ne veut pas durer' (My sadness doesn't want to last).
- Key Meanings
- To last (for a period of time)
- To endure
- To continue
- To persist
La réunion va durer trois heures. (The meeting will last three hours.)
Sa patience a fini par durer moins longtemps que prévu. (His patience ended up lasting less time than expected.)
- Contexts
- Time and duration of events
- Endurance of feelings or situations
- Longevity of objects or agreements
Understanding 'durer' is key to describing the temporal aspect of many situations in French. It's a common verb that you'll encounter frequently, so mastering its usage will significantly enhance your ability to communicate about the passage of time and the persistence of things.
The verb 'durer' is a regular -er verb, which means its conjugation follows the standard pattern for this verb group. This makes it relatively straightforward to use once you know the basic conjugations. It is typically used in the active voice, indicating that a subject is experiencing the duration or continuation.
In most cases, 'durer' is followed by a direct object or a time expression that specifies the length of time the action or state persists. It can also be used intransitively, implying a general sense of lasting.
- Present Tense
- Je dure (I last)
- Tu dures (You last - informal)
- Il/Elle/On dure (He/She/One lasts)
- Nous durons (We last)
- Vous durez (You last - formal/plural)
- Ils/Elles durent (They last)
Ce médicament dure longtemps dans l'organisme. (This medication lasts a long time in the body.)
The past participle of 'durer' is 'duré'. It's used to form compound tenses, most commonly the passé composé.
- Passé Composé
- J'ai duré (I lasted)
- Tu as duré (You lasted - informal)
- Il/Elle/On a duré (He/She/One lasted)
- Nous avons duré (We lasted)
- Vous avez duré (You lasted - formal/plural)
- Ils/Elles ont duré (They lasted)
La fête a duré jusqu'au petit matin. (The party lasted until the early morning.)
In the imperfect tense (imparfait), 'durer' describes ongoing actions or states in the past. The conjugation is:
- Imperfect Tense
- Je durais (I used to last / I was lasting)
- Tu durais (You used to last / You were lasting - informal)
- Il/Elle/On durait (He/She/One used to last / was lasting)
- Nous durions (We used to last / were lasting)
- Vous duriez (You used to last / were lasting - formal/plural)
- Ils/Elles duraient (They used to last / were lasting)
Le silence qui suivit le discours semblait durer une éternité. (The silence that followed the speech seemed to last an eternity.)
Future tense (futur simple) and conditional tense (conditionnel présent) also follow regular patterns:
- Futur Simple
- Je durerai (I will last)
- Nous durerons (We will last)
- Ils dureront (They will last)
- Conditionnel Présent
- Je durerais (I would last)
- Nous durerions (We would last)
- Ils dureraient (They would last)
Si nous avions plus de temps, la conversation aurait pu durer plus longtemps. (If we had more time, the conversation could have lasted longer.)
You'll hear 'durer' in a multitude of everyday French conversations. It's a word that pops up when people are discussing how long things take, how long they've been going on, or how long they expect them to continue. It's a versatile term that bridges the gap between simple statements of fact and more nuanced descriptions of time.
In a casual setting, friends might talk about a movie they watched: 'Le film était très long, il a duré plus de trois heures!' (The movie was very long, it lasted more than three hours!). Or perhaps discussing a vacation: 'On a eu de la chance avec le temps, il a plu seulement un jour sur dix. Le soleil a duré tout le reste du temps.' (We were lucky with the weather, it only rained one day out of ten. The sun lasted the rest of the time.)
In professional contexts, 'durer' is common when discussing contracts, projects, or product lifespans. For instance, a salesperson might explain, 'Cette garantie dure cinq ans' (This warranty lasts five years). A project manager might say, 'Le développement du projet devrait durer six mois' (The project development should last six months).
La grève des transports a duré une semaine. (The transport strike lasted a week.)
News reports and documentaries frequently use 'durer' to describe the duration of historical events, natural phenomena, or social movements. For example, a report on a natural disaster might state, 'L'inondation a duré plusieurs jours, causant d'énormes dégâts.' (The flood lasted several days, causing enormous damage.)
Even in more emotional or personal contexts, 'durer' finds its place. Someone might express hope that a difficult period will end soon: 'J'espère que cette période difficile ne va pas durer trop longtemps.' (I hope this difficult period won't last too long.) Or they might reflect on a lasting friendship: 'Notre amitié a duré plus de vingt ans.' (Our friendship has lasted more than twenty years.)
Le concert a duré deux heures, sans interruption. (The concert lasted two hours, without interruption.)
In literature and poetry, 'durer' can be used to evoke a sense of timelessness or the enduring nature of certain feelings or experiences. It's a word that adds depth and dimension to descriptions of time and existence.
The prevalence of 'durer' in spoken and written French underscores its importance. It's a fundamental verb that allows speakers to effectively communicate about the passage of time and the persistence of phenomena in various aspects of life.
While 'durer' is a regular verb, learners sometimes make mistakes with its usage, particularly regarding prepositions or confusion with similar-sounding verbs. Understanding these common pitfalls can help you avoid them.
One common error is the misuse of prepositions. While 'durer' often implies a duration, learners might incorrectly add prepositions where they are not needed. For instance, saying 'durer pour deux heures' is generally incorrect; it should simply be 'durer deux heures'. The verb itself conveys the duration without needing a preposition like 'pour'.
Another potential confusion arises with verbs that express a similar concept of continuation but have different nuances. For example, 'continuer' (to continue) is similar, but 'durer' specifically emphasizes the length of time or endurance. Using 'continuer' when 'durer' would be more precise, or vice-versa, can alter the meaning slightly.
- Mistake 1: Incorrect Preposition
- Incorrect: Ce spectacle va durer pour trois heures.
- Correct: Ce spectacle va durer trois heures.
- Explanation: 'Durer' directly takes the time duration as its object. The preposition 'pour' is redundant here.
Conjugation errors, although less frequent with regular verbs, can still occur, especially under pressure or when using less common tenses. Ensuring you know the correct endings for the present, passé composé, and imparfait is crucial.
A subtler mistake involves the scope of what 'durer' applies to. While it's versatile, it's primarily about the duration of an event, state, or object. Using it to describe a continuous action in the same way 'continuer' might be used can sometimes sound unnatural. For example, instead of 'Il dure à travailler' (He continues to work), it's more natural to say 'Il continue à travailler' or, if emphasizing the length of his work, 'Son travail a duré longtemps'.
Incorrect: La conversation a duré avec des pauses. (The conversation lasted with pauses.)
- Mistake 2: Overuse in complex sentence structures
- Correct: La conversation a été interrompue par des pauses. (The conversation was interrupted by pauses.) OR La conversation a duré, avec quelques pauses. (The conversation lasted, with a few pauses.)
- Explanation: 'Durer' is about the overall length. If pauses are significant interruptions, 'continuer' or rephrasing might be better.
Finally, be mindful of the distinction between 'durer' and verbs that imply a beginning or end. 'Durer' focuses solely on the period of existence or continuation, not necessarily the start or finish point, unless specified by context or time markers.
While 'durer' is a versatile verb for expressing duration, several other French words can convey similar meanings, each with its own nuances and specific contexts. Understanding these alternatives will help you choose the most precise word for your intended message.
- Continuer
- Meaning: To continue, to go on.
- Usage: 'Continuer' emphasizes the act of proceeding without stopping or changing. It can be used with an infinitive ('continuer à faire quelque chose' - to continue doing something) or directly with a noun. It doesn't inherently focus on the length of time as much as 'durer' does.
- Example: Il continue à pleuvoir. (It continues to rain.) vs. La pluie a duré toute la nuit. (The rain lasted all night.)
- Persister
- Meaning: To persist, to remain, to endure (often in the face of difficulty or opposition).
- Usage: 'Persister' suggests a stubborn or determined continuation, often implying resilience or even stubbornness. It can be used for abstract things like feelings or situations, or for physical things that remain despite challenges.
- Example: Malgré les obstacles, il a persisté dans son projet. (Despite the obstacles, he persisted in his project.) Le goût amer a persisté dans sa bouche. (The bitter taste persisted in his mouth.)
- Rester
- Meaning: To remain, to stay.
- Usage: 'Rester' is often used to describe a state of being that continues. It implies that something has not changed or moved from a particular condition or place.
- Example: Il est resté silencieux pendant la discussion. (He remained silent during the discussion.) La situation est restée inchangée pendant des mois. (The situation remained unchanged for months.)
- Subsister
- Meaning: To subsist, to survive, to remain (often in a minimal or precarious way).
- Usage: 'Subsister' implies continuing to exist, often with difficulty or in a limited capacity. It can refer to survival, or to the persistence of something small or residual.
- Example: Quelques traditions anciennes subsistent encore dans cette région. (A few ancient traditions still subsist in this region.) Les réfugiés subsistent grâce à l'aide humanitaire. (The refugees subsist thanks to humanitarian aid.)
This car has duré for many years. (Cette voiture a duré de nombreuses années.)
- Tenir
- Meaning: To hold, to last (in the sense of not breaking or giving way).
- Usage: 'Tenir' is often used in contexts related to physical strength or endurance, implying something is holding up well over time. It's less about the passage of time itself and more about the ability to withstand it.
- Example: Le vieux pont tient toujours malgré le trafic intense. (The old bridge is still holding up despite the intense traffic.)
Choosing between 'durer', 'continuer', 'persister', 'rester', 'subsister', and 'tenir' depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. 'Durer' is the most general term for lasting over time. 'Continuer' focuses on the action of proceeding. 'Persister' implies resilience. 'Rester' means to remain in a state. 'Subsister' suggests survival, often with difficulty, and 'tenir' refers to holding up or withstanding.
How Formal Is It?
Dato curioso
The concept of 'hardness' being linked to 'lasting' is common across many languages. Think of how hard materials tend to endure longer than soft ones. This ancient connection between physical hardness and temporal persistence is reflected in the evolution of 'durer'.
Guía de pronunciación
- Pronouncing the French 'r' like an English 'r'.
- Not rounding the lips sufficiently for the 'u' sound.
- Pronouncing the final 'er' as a distinct diphthong like in English 'air'.
Nivel de dificultad
CEFR A2. The verb 'durer' itself is straightforward to understand in context, especially when followed by time expressions. Reading comprehension becomes more challenging when 'durer' is used in complex sentence structures or with abstract concepts.
CEFR A2. Conjugating 'durer' is generally easy due to its regular nature. The main challenge in writing is choosing the correct tense and ensuring appropriate use of time expressions or idiomatic phrases.
CEFR A2. Pronunciation is manageable. The key to speaking effectively with 'durer' is to confidently integrate it into sentences describing duration, using common phrases and correct tenses.
CEFR A2. 'Durer' is frequently used, so listening for it should be relatively easy. Understanding the exact duration or nuance depends on the surrounding context and the speaker's intonation.
Qué aprender después
Requisitos previos
Aprende después
Avanzado
Gramática que debes saber
Conjugation of regular -er verbs in the present tense.
Je parle, tu parles, il parle, nous parlons, vous parlez, ils parlent. (Similar pattern for 'durer' in the present tense: je dure, tu dures, il dure, nous durons, vous durez, ils durent).
Formation and use of the Passé Composé with 'avoir'.
J'ai mangé, tu as mangé, il a mangé... (For 'durer': J'ai duré, tu as duré, il a duré...)
Formation and use of the Imparfait tense.
Je parlais, tu parlais, il parlait... (For 'durer': Je durais, tu durais, il durait...)
Use of the Futur Simple tense.
Je parlerai, tu parleras, il parlera... (For 'durer': Je durerai, tu dureras, il durera...)
Use of the Subjunctive mood after expressions of emotion, doubt, or necessity.
Il faut que je dorme. (For 'durer': Il faut que cela dure.)
Ejemplos por nivel
Le film dure une heure.
The movie lasts one hour.
Present tense of 'durer' with a time duration.
La pause va durer dix minutes.
The break will last ten minutes.
Future tense of 'durer' with a specific duration.
Ce voyage dure longtemps.
This trip lasts a long time.
Present tense with the adverb 'longtemps'.
La garantie dure un an.
The warranty lasts one year.
Present tense indicating a defined period.
Combien de temps ça dure?
How long does it last?
Question form in the present tense.
Le soleil a duré tout le jour.
The sun lasted all day.
Passé composé of 'durer' with a full day duration.
Ma patience a duré peu.
My patience lasted little.
Passé composé with 'peu' (little).
Il dure.
It lasts.
Simple present tense, intransitive.
La réunion a duré deux heures.
The meeting lasted two hours.
Passé composé, common for completed past events.
Ce médicament dure combien de temps?
How long does this medicine last?
Question about the duration of an effect.
L'été dernier a duré très chaud.
Last summer lasted very hot.
Using 'durer' to describe the duration of a weather condition.
Le spectacle doit durer jusqu'à minuit.
The show must last until midnight.
Using 'devoir' with 'durer' to express obligation/expectation.
Sa tristesse ne voulait pas durer.
His sadness did not want to last.
Using 'vouloir' with infinitive 'durer' to express desire.
Nous espérons que cette période difficile ne durera pas.
We hope this difficult period will not last.
Future tense expressing hope about duration.
La batterie de mon téléphone dure une journée.
My phone's battery lasts a day.
Present tense for habitual duration.
J'ai l'impression que ça a duré une éternité.
I feel like it lasted an eternity.
Figurative use of 'durer' with hyperbole.
Le contrat est censé durer trois ans.
The contract is supposed to last three years.
Using 'être censé' with 'durer' to indicate expectation.
Les effets de ce traitement peuvent durer plusieurs semaines.
The effects of this treatment can last several weeks.
Modal verb 'pouvoir' with 'durer' for possibility.
Sa patience a fini par durer moins longtemps que prévu.
His patience ended up lasting less time than expected.
Using 'finir par' with 'durer' for an eventual outcome.
Ce genre de problème peut durer des mois, voire des années.
This kind of problem can last for months, even years.
Indicating extended duration with 'voire'.
Nous nous demandions combien de temps la fête allait durer.
We were wondering how long the party would last.
Indirect question using the imperfect tense of 'durer'.
La construction de ce monument a duré une décennie.
The construction of this monument lasted a decade.
Passé composé with a long duration ('une décennie').
Si le beau temps dure, nous pourrons profiter de la plage.
If the good weather lasts, we will be able to enjoy the beach.
Conditional clause with 'durer' linked to a future possibility.
Il est rare qu'une telle amitié dure toute une vie.
It is rare for such a friendship to last a lifetime.
Subjunctive mood after 'il est rare que' with 'durer'.
La période de sécheresse a duré plus longtemps que prévu, affectant gravement l'agriculture.
The drought period lasted longer than expected, severely affecting agriculture.
Using 'durer' in a complex sentence with a consequence.
Il faut reconnaître que son engagement a duré malgré les difficultés.
It must be recognized that his commitment lasted despite the difficulties.
Using 'il faut reconnaître que' with 'durer' to acknowledge persistence.
La résistance du matériau est telle qu'il pourrait durer des siècles.
The resistance of the material is such that it could last for centuries.
Subjunctive after 'tel que' indicating potential duration.
Le débat sur cette question semble devoir durer encore longtemps.
The debate on this issue seems likely to last for a long time yet.
Using 'devoir' with infinitive to express likelihood of duration.
Nous avons été surpris de voir à quel point le spectacle a duré.
We were surprised to see how long the show lasted.
Indirect question with 'à quel point' and 'durer'.
Malgré les avertissements, le système a continué de fonctionner et a duré.
Despite the warnings, the system continued to function and lasted.
Using 'durer' in conjunction with 'continuer' for emphasis.
La question est de savoir combien de temps cet équilibre précaire pourra durer.
The question is to know how long this precarious balance can last.
Using 'savoir' with 'combien de temps' and 'pouvoir durer'.
Il est essentiel que les mesures de sécurité durent le temps nécessaire.
It is essential that the security measures last for the necessary time.
Subjunctive after 'il est essentiel que' with 'durer'.
L'optimisme ambiant ne pouvait guère durer face aux réalités économiques.
The prevailing optimism could hardly last in the face of economic realities.
Using 'ne guère' (hardly) with 'pouvoir durer' for nuanced meaning.
Il est indéniable que la crise a mis à l'épreuve la résilience qui a permis au pays de durer.
It is undeniable that the crisis tested the resilience that allowed the country to endure.
Complex sentence structure with 'indéniable que' and a relative clause with 'durer'.
La pérennité de cette tradition dépendra de sa capacité à durer dans un monde en mutation.
The sustainability of this tradition will depend on its ability to last in a changing world.
Using 'pérennité' (sustainability) and 'capacité à durer'.
Nous nous interrogeons sur la durée pendant laquelle ces mesures exceptionnelles devront durer.
We are wondering about the duration for which these exceptional measures will have to last.
Using 's'interroger sur' and 'devoir durer'.
L'œuvre d'art, par sa nature même, est conçue pour durer au-delà des générations.
The work of art, by its very nature, is designed to last beyond generations.
Using 'au-delà de' with 'durer' for long-term existence.
Il est fort probable que son influence ne durera pas indéfiniment.
It is highly probable that his influence will not last indefinitely.
Using 'fort probable que' with subjunctive and 'durer indéfiniment'.
La question de savoir si une telle situation peut durer est au cœur du débat.
The question of whether such a situation can last is at the heart of the debate.
Using 'savoir si' and 'pouvoir durer' in a complex query.
Nous avons assisté à un phénomène qui semblait vouloir durer éternellement.
We witnessed a phenomenon that seemed to want to last forever.
Using 'assister à' and 'vouloir durer éternellement'.
La fragilité de l'accord laissait présager qu'il ne pouvait guère durer.
The fragility of the agreement suggested that it could hardly last.
Complex sentence structure with 'laisser présager que' and 'ne guère durer'.
Il incombe aux générations futures de veiller à ce que les acquis durent.
It is incumbent upon future generations to ensure that achievements last.
Using 'il incombe à' and 'veiller à ce que' with subjunctive 'durent'.
La véritable mesure de la réussite ne réside pas dans ce qu'elle rapporte, mais dans ce qu'elle permet de durer.
The true measure of success lies not in what it yields, but in what it allows to endure.
Philosophical statement using 'réside pas dans... mais dans ce qu'elle permet de durer'.
L'histoire nous enseigne que les empires les plus puissants ne sont pas ceux qui durent le plus longtemps, mais ceux qui laissent une empreinte indélébile.
History teaches us that the most powerful empires are not those that last the longest, but those that leave an indelible mark.
Comparative structure with 'ne...pas ceux qui durent le plus longtemps, mais ceux qui...'
Nous sommes confrontés à un dilemme : faut-il prolonger une situation qui ne peut que difficilement durer, ou opter pour un changement radical?
We are faced with a dilemma: should we prolong a situation that can only hardly last, or opt for radical change?
Using 'confrontés à un dilemme' and 'ne peut que difficilement durer'.
La question de la transmission du savoir est intrinsèquement liée à la capacité des idées à durer.
The question of knowledge transmission is intrinsically linked to the ability of ideas to last.
Using 'intrinsèquement liée à' and 'capacité des idées à durer'.
Il est aisé de critiquer rétrospectivement les décisions qui ont permis à une entité de durer, sans en saisir les contraintes de l'époque.
It is easy to retrospectively criticize decisions that allowed an entity to last, without grasping the constraints of the time.
Using 'aisé de critiquer rétrospectivement' and 'permettre de durer'.
L'art véritable est celui qui, au-delà de l'éphémère, parvient à durer et à toucher les âmes à travers les âges.
True art is that which, beyond the ephemeral, manages to last and touch souls across the ages.
Using 'au-delà de l'éphémère' and 'parvenir à durer'.
Colocaciones comunes
Frases Comunes
— How long does it last?
Pour le trajet jusqu'à Paris, ça dure combien de temps ?
— It won't last.
Ne t'inquiète pas pour cette mauvaise période, ça ne va pas durer.
— To let it last; to let things take their course.
Parfois, il faut juste laisser durer et voir ce qui se passe.
— To make something last; to prolong something.
Il a essayé de faire durer le suspense le plus longtemps possible.
— Time does not wait; time flies.
Il faut en profiter, car le temps ne dure pas.
Se confunde a menudo con
'Continuer' means 'to continue' and focuses on the action of proceeding, while 'durer' focuses on the length of time something lasts or endures.
'Persister' implies enduring or remaining, often with a sense of determination or difficulty, whereas 'durer' is a more general term for lasting.
'Rester' means 'to remain' and describes a state that continues without change, while 'durer' emphasizes the temporal aspect of that continuation.
Modismos y expresiones
— To let something take its course, to not interfere and allow a situation to continue as it is, often implying patience or acceptance.
Face à sa colère, il a décidé de laisser durer, sachant qu'elle finirait par se calmer.
neutral— To prolong the enjoyment of something, to savor a pleasant experience and make it last as long as possible.
Ils ont mangé lentement, voulant faire durer le plaisir de ce repas exquis.
neutral— To last an extremely long time, often used hyperbolically to express impatience or boredom.
J'ai attendu dans la file pendant ce qui m'a semblé durer une éternité.
informal— To not last long, to be temporary or fleeting.
La trêve dans la guerre ne dura pas longtemps.
neutral— To make something last longer than it naturally would, often through effort or manipulation.
Il a essayé de faire durer la conversation pour éviter de rentrer chez lui.
neutral— Let's hope it lasts; hoping for the continuation of a good situation.
Enfin, il fait beau ! Pourvu que ça dure.
neutral— The passage of time; time itself.
Le temps qui dure nous rappelle notre propre mortalité.
formal/literary— To allow time to pass without rushing; to be patient.
Il faut laisser le temps durer pour que les choses se règlent d'elles-mêmes.
neutral— To last for a very short time, as brief as a sigh.
Son succès fut éphémère, il n'a duré que le temps d'un soupir.
literary— Love that lasts; enduring love.
Ils ont prouvé que l'amour qui dure est possible.
neutralFácil de confundir
Both verbs relate to ongoing actions or states.
'Durer' specifically refers to the length of time something lasts or endures. 'Continuer' refers to the act of going on with something. For example, 'Le cours dure une heure' (The class lasts one hour) focuses on duration. 'Il continue à parler' (He continues to speak) focuses on the ongoing action of speaking.
La grève a duré trois jours (duration). Les employés continuent de manifester (action).
Both suggest something not stopping.
'Persister' often implies an effort to continue, especially in the face of difficulty or opposition, or a stubbornness. 'Durer' is more neutral about the reason for continuation and focuses purely on the length of time. For instance, 'Sa maladie a duré longtemps' (His illness lasted a long time) is a statement of fact. 'Il a persisté dans son traitement' (He persisted with his treatment) implies effort.
Le vent a duré toute la nuit (neutral duration). Elle a persisté à essayer, malgré les échecs (effortful continuation).
Both can imply something continuing.
'Rester' means 'to remain' and focuses on a state or condition that doesn't change. 'Durer' focuses on the temporal aspect of that state or condition. For example, 'Il est resté silencieux' (He remained silent) describes his state. 'Le silence a duré plusieurs minutes' (The silence lasted several minutes) describes the duration of that state.
Le paysage est resté le même (state). Le paysage est resté le même pendant des années (duration of the state).
Both can mean to continue to exist.
'Subsister' often implies surviving or continuing to exist, sometimes in a minimal or precarious way, often with difficulty. 'Durer' is a more general term for lasting over time. For example, 'Ces traditions subsistent dans les zones rurales' (These traditions subsist in rural areas) implies they still exist, perhaps with some effort. 'Cette tradition a duré des siècles' (This tradition has lasted for centuries) focuses on the long period of its existence.
Les ruines subsistent encore (they still exist). La cité a duré mille ans (duration).
Both can imply holding on or lasting.
'Tenir' often means 'to hold' or 'to hold up' in the sense of resisting pressure or wear and tear. 'Durer' means to last over time. For example, 'Le vieux pont tient toujours' (The old bridge is still holding up) emphasizes its structural integrity. 'Le pont a duré 200 ans' (The bridge lasted 200 years) emphasizes its lifespan.
Cette voiture tient bien la route (holds up). Cette voiture a duré 15 ans (lifespan).
Patrones de oraciones
Subject + durer (present) + Time Expression
Le cours dure une heure.
Subject + avoir + duré + Time Expression
Le voyage a duré trois jours.
Subject + durer (imperfect) + Time Expression
La conversation durait depuis longtemps.
Subject + devoir + durer
Ce traitement doit durer encore deux semaines.
Si + Subject + durer (present), ... Futur Simple
Si le beau temps dure, nous irons à la plage.
Il semble que + Subject + durer (subjunctive)
Il semble que cette attente va durer.
Subject + durer + au-delà de + Time Expression
Son influence a duré au-delà de sa mort.
Il est possible que + Subject + durer (subjunctive)
Il est possible que cette situation dure encore longtemps.
Familia de palabras
Sustantivos
Verbos
Adjetivos
Relacionado
Cómo usarlo
Very high. 'Durer' is a common verb used in everyday conversation and writing.
-
Using 'pour' before the time duration.
→
Le spectacle va durer trois heures.
'Durer' directly takes the time period as its object. Adding 'pour' is redundant and grammatically incorrect in this context.
-
Confusing 'durer' with 'continuer' for specific actions.
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Il continue à travailler.
While 'continuer' means to continue doing something, 'durer' refers to the length of time an action or state lasts. 'Il a duré à travailler' is incorrect; 'Il a travaillé longtemps' or 'Son travail a duré longtemps' would be about duration.
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Incorrect conjugation in the present tense (e.g., 'je duree').
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Je dure.
'Durer' is a regular -er verb. The present tense conjugation for 'je' is simply 'dure', without an extra 'e' and without the 'er' ending.
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Using 'durer' for a state that has ended without specifying duration.
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Le silence a duré quelques minutes.
If you want to say something lasted, you need to indicate the duration. Simply saying 'Le silence a duré' is incomplete. Adding a time expression like 'quelques minutes' or 'longtemps' is necessary.
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Overusing 'durer' when 'persister' or 'rester' would be more precise.
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Sa détermination a persisté malgré les obstacles.
If you want to emphasize the effort or resilience behind something continuing, 'persister' is often a better choice than the more neutral 'durer'. Similarly, 'rester' is used for states that remain unchanged.
Consejos
Master the Regular Pattern
As a regular -er verb, 'durer' follows predictable conjugation patterns. Focus on memorizing the present tense endings (-e, -es, -e, -ons, -ez, -ent) and the past participle 'duré' for compound tenses. This regularity will make using 'durer' much easier.
Distinguish from 'Continuer'
While similar, 'durer' emphasizes the length of time, whereas 'continuer' emphasizes the action of going on. If you want to say a meeting lasted three hours, use 'durer'. If you want to say someone kept talking, use 'continuer à parler'.
No Preposition Needed for Duration
Unlike in some English constructions, you generally do not need a preposition like 'pour' when stating the duration after 'durer'. Simply follow the verb with the time period, like 'Le film a duré deux heures'.
Practice the French 'R'
The French 'r' sound in 'durer' is produced in the back of the throat. Practicing this sound separately will help improve your pronunciation and make your French sound more natural.
Link to 'Durable'
Connect 'durer' to the English word 'durable'. Things that are durable last a long time. This association can help you remember that 'durer' means 'to last'.
Learn Common Idiomatic Phrases
Familiarize yourself with common phrases like 'durer une éternité' (to last an eternity) or 'laisser durer' (to let it last). These idiomatic uses are frequent and add color to your French.
Tense Matters for Time
Choosing the correct tense for 'durer' is crucial for accurately conveying when the duration occurred. Present for now, passé composé for completed past, imperfect for ongoing past, and future for what will last.
Build Related Vocabulary
Learn related words like 'durée' (duration), 'durable' (durable), and 'longtemps' (for a long time). Expanding your vocabulary around the concept of time will enhance your understanding and usage of 'durer'.
Use it in Sentences Daily
The best way to learn 'durer' is to use it! Try to construct at least one sentence using 'durer' every day, describing something that lasted or is lasting.
Memorízalo
Mnemotecnia
Imagine a very tough, durable rock that lasts for ages. Say 'DURer' while picturing this tough, enduring rock. The sound 'dur' is similar to 'durable' and 'hard', and the verb means to last.
Asociación visual
Picture a clock with hands that are moving very slowly, or a very old, sturdy tree that has stood for centuries. The slow-moving clock or the ancient tree represents something that 'dures' (lasts).
Word Web
Desafío
Try to use 'durer' in at least three sentences describing things that have lasted a long time in your life or in history.
Origen de la palabra
The verb 'durer' originates from the Latin verb 'durare', meaning 'to harden', 'to last', 'to endure'. This Latin root is related to the adjective 'durus', meaning 'hard'.
Significado original: To be hard, to be firm, to last.
Indo-European > Italic > Latin > Romance > FrenchContexto cultural
When discussing durations, be mindful of the context. For example, when talking about a difficult period, using 'durer' might imply a prolonged suffering, so it's important to consider the emotional weight of the word.
In English-speaking cultures, we also value endurance and longevity, evident in phrases like 'built to last' or 'long-lasting relationships'. The concept is universal, but the specific French verb 'durer' offers a concise way to express it.
Practica en la vida real
Contextos reales
Discussing the length of events (meetings, movies, parties)
- Ça dure combien de temps ?
- Ça a duré X heures.
- Ça va durer toute la soirée.
Describing the duration of weather conditions
- La pluie a duré toute la journée.
- La canicule va durer plusieurs jours.
- Le beau temps a duré une semaine.
Talking about the lifespan of products or contracts
- La garantie dure deux ans.
- Ce contrat doit durer cinq ans.
- La batterie de mon téléphone dure une journée.
Expressing the persistence of feelings or situations
- Son chagrin ne voulait pas durer.
- Cette période difficile a duré trop longtemps.
- J'espère que cette joie durera.
Describing historical periods or lasting effects
- Cette tradition dure depuis des siècles.
- L'impact de cette décision a duré longtemps.
- L'empire a duré mille ans.
Inicios de conversación
"Quelle est la chose la plus longue que vous ayez jamais vue durer ?"
"Si vous pouviez faire durer quelque chose pour toujours, que choisiriez-vous ?"
"Parlez-moi d'un film ou d'un livre qui vous a semblé durer une éternité."
"Quelle est la durée idéale pour des vacances selon vous ?"
"Pensez-vous que les bonnes choses devraient durer plus longtemps ?"
Temas para diario
Décrivez une période de votre vie qui a duré plus longtemps que prévu et comment vous l'avez vécue.
Écrivez sur un objet que vous possédez depuis longtemps et qui a bien duré. Comment vous sentez-vous par rapport à cet objet ?
Imaginez un monde où le temps ne dure pas. Comment cela affecterait-il votre vie ?
Réfléchissez à une relation qui a duré longtemps. Qu'est-ce qui a rendu cette relation durable ?
Si vous pouviez changer la durée d'un événement passé, quel serait-il et pourquoi ?
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntas'Durer' specifically refers to the length of time something lasts or continues. It emphasizes the duration. 'Continuer', on the other hand, focuses on the action of proceeding or carrying on without stopping. For example, 'Le film a duré deux heures' (The movie lasted two hours) talks about its duration. 'Il continue à parler' (He continues to speak) talks about the ongoing action.
Yes, 'durer' can be used for feelings or states of mind. For instance, 'Son chagrin a duré plusieurs semaines' (His sadness lasted several weeks), or 'J'espère que cette joie va durer' (I hope this joy will last).
You can say 'Ça dure longtemps.' For example, 'Ce médicament dure longtemps.' (This medicine lasts a long time).
The past participle is 'duré'. The most common past tense is the Passé Composé, formed with 'avoir': 'J'ai duré', 'Tu as duré', 'Il/Elle/On a duré', 'Nous avons duré', 'Vous avez duré', 'Ils/Elles ont duré'. For example, 'La réunion a duré trois heures.'
Yes, 'durer' is a regular -er verb, which means its conjugation follows the standard pattern for this verb group in most tenses.
Generally, no. 'Durer' is usually followed directly by the time expression indicating duration. For example, 'Ça va durer une heure', not 'Ça va durer pour une heure'.
A very common figurative use is 'durer une éternité', meaning 'to last an eternity', used to express that something felt very long, often due to boredom or impatience. For example, 'Attendre chez le médecin, ça a duré une éternité !'
You can ask 'Ça dure combien de temps ?' or 'Combien de temps ça dure ?'. For example, 'Le film, ça dure combien de temps ?'
'Perdurer' is a more formal and literary synonym for 'durer', often implying a more significant or profound continuation, like the endurance of a legacy or a tradition over a very long time. 'Durer' is more general.
You use the imperfect tense ('durait', 'durais', etc.) to describe an action or state that was ongoing in the past, or a habitual duration in the past. For example, 'Quand j'étais enfant, les vacances duraient deux mois.' (When I was a child, the holidays lasted two months.)
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Summary
The French verb 'durer' is essential for describing how long something lasts or continues. It's used broadly for events, states, and objects, and its conjugation follows regular patterns, making it accessible for learners. Mastering 'durer' allows you to effectively communicate about the temporal dimension of many situations in French. For instance, 'Le film a duré deux heures' (The movie lasted two hours) clearly indicates the duration of the film.
- Durer means to last or continue for a period of time.
- It's used for events, situations, and objects.
- Conjugates like a regular -er verb.
- Commonly used with time expressions.
Master the Regular Pattern
As a regular -er verb, 'durer' follows predictable conjugation patterns. Focus on memorizing the present tense endings (-e, -es, -e, -ons, -ez, -ent) and the past participle 'duré' for compound tenses. This regularity will make using 'durer' much easier.
Context is Key for Duration
The meaning of 'durer' is always tied to time. Pay close attention to the time expressions (e.g., 'une heure', 'longtemps', 'des siècles') that accompany it. These expressions clarify the extent of the duration being described.
Distinguish from 'Continuer'
While similar, 'durer' emphasizes the length of time, whereas 'continuer' emphasizes the action of going on. If you want to say a meeting lasted three hours, use 'durer'. If you want to say someone kept talking, use 'continuer à parler'.
No Preposition Needed for Duration
Unlike in some English constructions, you generally do not need a preposition like 'pour' when stating the duration after 'durer'. Simply follow the verb with the time period, like 'Le film a duré deux heures'.
Ejemplo
Le film dure environ deux heures.
Contenido relacionado
Frases relacionadas
Más palabras de general
à cause de
A2Una locución prepositiva que se utiliza para introducir la causa de un hecho, generalmente negativo o neutro. Equivale a 'a causa de' o 'por culpa de'.
à côté
A2Al lado de; junto a.
à côté de
A2Next to, beside.
À droite
A2A la derecha o en el lado derecho. Por ejemplo: 'Gire a la derecha en la esquina'.
À gauche
A2To the left; on the left side.
à la
A2La combinación de la preposición 'à' y el artículo femenino 'la', que significa 'a la' o 'en la'.
à laquelle
B2To which; at which (feminine singular).
à mesure que
B2A medida que; conforme.
abrégé
B1An abstract, summary, or abridgment.
absence
A2The state of being away from a place or person.
