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A2 adverb #2,500 よく出る 10分で読める

de temps en temps

At the A1 level, 'de temps en temps' is one of the first frequency expressions you learn after 'toujours' (always) and 'jamais' (never). It is essential for describing your basic routine and hobbies. At this stage, you should focus on its literal meaning: 'from time to time'. You will use it to answer simple questions like 'Do you play tennis?' or 'Do you go to the park?'. It helps you move beyond simple 'yes' or 'no' answers, allowing you to describe a lifestyle that isn't strictly black and white. You will mostly use it at the end of sentences because that is the easiest place to remember. For an A1 learner, this phrase is a 'power tool'—it makes you sound much more fluent than you actually are because it's a multi-word phrase that native speakers use constantly. You don't need to worry about the grammar of the individual words; just learn the whole block 'de-temps-en-temps' as a single vocabulary item. It's like a Lego brick that you can snap onto any basic sentence to add detail.
As an A2 learner, you are expected to describe your environment and personal background in more detail. 'De temps en temps' becomes vital for talking about past habits (using the imparfait) and future plans. You should start experimenting with its placement in the sentence. Instead of always putting it at the end, try starting a sentence with it: 'De temps en temps, je rends visite à ma grand-mère.' This shows a higher level of control over French sentence structure. You will also start to see the difference between this phrase and 'parfois'. At A2, you should be able to use 'de temps en temps' to describe activities that are part of your regular life but don't happen every day, like going to a restaurant, buying a magazine, or traveling to another city. It's a key part of the 'Social Interaction' criteria for the DELF A2 exam, as it allows you to discuss your tastes and interests with more nuance. You should also be comfortable using it with common verbs like 'faire', 'aller', and 'voir'.
At the B1 level, you are becoming an 'independent user' of French. You should use 'de temps en temps' to add flavor to your storytelling and to express opinions. You will use it to describe recurring problems, occasional successes, or fluctuating feelings. For example, 'Je me sens seul de temps en temps' (I feel lonely from time to time). This level requires you to understand the 'rhythm' the phrase provides to a narrative. You should also be able to distinguish it from more formal synonyms like 'occasionnellement'. In a B1 discussion, you might use it to qualify a statement, showing that you understand that things aren't always constant. It's also useful for discussing work habits or study routines. You should be able to use it fluently in the 'passé composé' without hesitating on where to place it. At B1, you are also expected to recognize it in more complex audio recordings, like radio interviews or short news clips, where it might be spoken quickly.
For B2 learners, 'de temps en temps' is used to provide subtle nuance in arguments and formal presentations. You should understand its register—it's standard French, suitable for most professional and social situations. You might use it to describe a trend that isn't constant but is noteworthy. For example, 'De temps en temps, on observe une augmentation des prix.' At this level, you should also be aware of its more sophisticated cousin, 'de temps à autre', and be able to switch between them to avoid repetition in a long speech or essay. You will use it to describe complex behaviors or societal patterns. Your placement of the phrase should be varied and natural, used to create specific emphasis or to improve the flow (the 'prosody') of your sentences. You should also be able to use it in the conditional mood to talk about hypothetical frequencies: 'Si j'avais plus d'argent, j'irais au restaurant de temps en temps.'
At the C1 level, you are expected to have a 'full command' of the language. 'De temps en temps' is used with precision to manage the flow of complex discourse. You will use it to introduce a minor point or to acknowledge an exception to a general rule. You should be able to use it in combination with other advanced structures, such as the subjunctive or complex relative clauses. For a C1 student, the focus is on the stylistic effect of the phrase. Does it make the sentence sound more grounded? Does it provide a necessary pause in a dense philosophical argument? You will also encounter it in classical and modern literature, where it might be used to establish a specific atmosphere or a character's psychological state. You should be able to analyze why an author chose 'de temps en temps' over 'rarement' or 'parfois' and what that says about the frequency and intentionality of the action described. Your use of the phrase should be effortless and perfectly integrated into your personal 'voice' in French.
At the C2 level, 'de temps en temps' is used with the mastery of a native speaker. You understand its deepest idiomatic roots and its subtle rhythmic contributions to spoken and written French. You can use it in highly specialized contexts—legal, medical, or literary—knowing exactly when it is appropriate and when a more technical term is required. You might use it ironically or to create a specific rhetorical effect. For example, in a high-level debate, you might use it to downplay an opponent's point: 'C'est une erreur que vous commettez de temps en temps.' At this level, you are also sensitive to the regional variations in how such phrases are used across the Francophone world. You can use it to maintain the 'liaison' and 'enchaînement' of your speech, ensuring that the phrase flows perfectly within the melodic structure of your sentences. You are not just using the phrase; you are playing with it, using it to balance the weight of your arguments and to add a touch of natural, human variability to even the most abstract discussions.
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de temps en temps 30秒で

  • A versatile French phrase meaning 'from time to time' or 'occasionally'.
  • Used to describe habits or events that happen at irregular intervals.
  • Grammatically fixed and can be placed at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence.
  • Essential for natural-sounding French at all levels, from A1 to C2.

The French adverbial phrase de temps en temps is a cornerstone of temporal expression in the French language. At its core, it translates to "from time to time" or "occasionally" in English. It describes an action or state that occurs at irregular intervals, neither frequently nor never, but somewhere in the comfortable middle of the frequency spectrum. Understanding this phrase requires more than just a literal translation; it involves grasping the rhythmic nature of French life where certain habits are maintained without the pressure of daily repetition.

The Literal Breakdown
Literally 'of time in time', which conveys the passage of moments with gaps in between.
The Frequency Nuance
It sits perfectly between 'parfois' (sometimes) and 'rarement' (rarely), often implying a choice or a leisurely habit.
The Rhythmic Aspect
It suggests a cycle that repeats, but not on a strict schedule, like visiting a favorite café or calling an old friend.

"Je mange du chocolat de temps en temps pour me faire plaisir." (I eat chocolate from time to time to treat myself.)

— A common expression of moderate indulgence.

In linguistic terms, this is an adverbial locution. It functions as a single unit of meaning. When you use it, you are signaling to your listener that the activity is not a burden or a strict routine, but rather a sporadic occurrence that adds variety to your life. It is highly versatile, appearing in both formal literature and casual street slang without losing its essential character. It avoids the clinical feel of 'périodiquement' and the sometimes-negative connotation of 'occasionnellement' which can imply something is missing most of the time.

"De temps en temps, nous aimons marcher au bord de la mer." (From time to time, we like to walk by the sea.)

Historically, the phrase has remained remarkably stable. While other French expressions for time have evolved or fallen out of favor, 'de temps en temps' remains the gold standard for expressing moderate frequency. It reflects a cultural appreciation for balance—not doing something too much to the point of boredom, but not forgetting it entirely. It is the linguistic equivalent of a 'treat' or a 'break' in the mundane flow of time.

Synonym Comparison
Compared to 'quelquefois', 'de temps en temps' feels slightly more rhythmic and intentional.
Social Context
It is often used in social invitations or descriptions of lifestyle habits to sound relaxed and unpretentious.

"Il m'appelle de temps en temps pour prendre des nouvelles." (He calls me from time to time to catch up.)

To master this phrase is to master the art of French conversation. It allows you to describe your life with a sense of nuance. Whether you are discussing your hobbies, your work habits, or your travel plans, 'de temps en temps' provides the perfect middle ground. It is the bridge between the 'always' and the 'never', making your French sound more natural, fluid, and culturally authentic.

Using de temps en temps correctly is more about rhythm and placement than complex grammatical rules. As an adverbial phrase, its primary function is to modify the entire sentence or the verb to indicate frequency. Because it is a fixed phrase, you do not need to worry about gender or number agreement; it remains 'de temps en temps' regardless of who is speaking or what is being discussed.

1. Sentence Placement

One of the most appealing features of this phrase is its flexibility. You can place it in three main positions:

  • At the beginning: This emphasizes the frequency. "De temps en temps, je vais au cinéma." (From time to time, I go to the cinema.)
  • At the end: This is the most common and natural placement in casual speech. "Je vais au cinéma de temps en temps."
  • After the conjugated verb: This is slightly more formal but very common with simple tenses. "Je vais de temps en temps au cinéma."

"Nous devrions sortir de temps en temps." (We should go out from time to time.)

2. Tense Compatibility

This phrase works across all tenses. In the passé composé, it usually follows the past participle or the entire verb phrase. In the futur simple, it often sits at the end. Because it describes a habit, it is most frequently paired with the présent or the imparfait (to describe past habits).

Present Tense
Used for current habits: "Il fume de temps en temps."
Imperfect Tense
Used for past habits: "Quand j'étais petit, je voyais mon cousin de temps en temps."
Future Tense
Used for future intentions: "Je t'écrirai de temps en temps."

3. Negative Sentences

When using negation, 'de temps en temps' usually stays outside the 'ne... pas' structure. For example: "Je ne bois pas de café, sauf de temps en temps." (I don't drink coffee, except from time to time.) It is rare to see it inside the negation because the phrase itself implies a positive (though infrequent) action.

In professional contexts, you might use it to describe maintenance or check-ins. "Nous mettons à jour le logiciel de temps en temps." (We update the software from time to time.) It conveys a sense of regularity without the rigidity of a fixed schedule. In creative writing, it can be used to create a sense of nostalgia or to describe a character's quirky habits. The key is to remember that it is a 'soft' frequency marker—it doesn't demand precision, and that is its greatest strength.

You will encounter de temps en temps in almost every corner of French life. It is a linguistic chameleon that fits into diverse environments, from the bustling markets of Provence to the high-tech offices of La Défense in Paris. Understanding its context helps you decode the speaker's intent and the level of commitment they are expressing.

1. Everyday Conversation

This is the primary home of the phrase. Friends use it to talk about their lives without sounding like they are bragging or being too rigid. It's used to discuss hobbies, diets, and social circles. If someone says they see their parents 'de temps en temps', it implies a healthy, albeit not daily, relationship.

"Tu fais du sport ?" "Oui, de temps en temps, quand j'ai le temps." (Do you exercise? Yes, from time to time, when I have time.)

2. Media and Entertainment

In French cinema and literature, this phrase is used to establish character routines. In songs, particularly in the 'Chanson Française' genre (think Edith Piaf or modern artists like Stromae), it is used to evoke the passage of time and the fleeting nature of moments. It adds a poetic touch to the mundane.

In News Reports
Used to describe sporadic events like meteor showers or minor political shifts.
In Podcasts
Hosts use it to describe how often they will release special episodes.

3. Professional and Academic Settings

While it is casual, it is not unprofessional. In a meeting, a manager might say, "Nous devons revoir nos objectifs de temps en temps." (We should review our objectives from time to time.) It suggests a flexible but responsible approach to management. In academic writing, it might be replaced by 'périodiquement', but in a lecture, a professor will frequently use 'de temps en temps' to explain recurring phenomena.

Finally, you'll hear it in weather forecasts or travel advisories. "Des averses sont attendues de temps en temps sur le nord du pays." (Showers are expected from time to time in the north of the country.) Here, it serves a functional purpose, warning people of intermittent conditions. Whether it's the rain or a phone call from a friend, 'de temps en temps' captures the intermittent pulse of French life perfectly.

Even though de temps en temps is a common phrase, learners often stumble over its structure or its specific nuance compared to other frequency adverbs. Avoiding these pitfalls will make your French sound much more polished and natural.

1. The "De" and "En" Confusion

The most common error is forgetting one of the prepositions or swapping them. Some learners say "temps en temps" or "de temps à temps". Remember the structure is fixed: De [Noun] En [Noun].

"Je voyage temps en temps."

"Je voyage de temps en temps."

2. Confusing with "Parfois" and "Quelquefois"

While they are often interchangeable, 'parfois' is more general. 'De temps en temps' specifically emphasizes the intervals of time. Using 'parfois' can sometimes sound a bit more formal or detached, whereas 'de temps en temps' sounds more like a personal habit.

Parfois
Often used for things that happen by chance.
De temps en temps
Often used for things you choose to do occasionally.

3. Overusing it in Formal Writing

In a highly formal essay or a legal document, 'de temps en temps' might be considered too colloquial. In these cases, 'occasionnellement' or 'périodiquement' is preferred. However, in a business email, 'de temps en temps' is perfectly acceptable.

4. Incorrect Placement with Negation

Learners often try to put it between 'ne' and 'pas'. This is incorrect. It should almost always follow the 'pas'.

"Je ne de temps en temps pas mange de viande."

"Je ne mange de la viande que de temps en temps."

By paying attention to these small details, you ensure that your use of 'de temps en temps' is not only grammatically correct but also contextually appropriate. It's about finding that 'sweet spot' in frequency and expression.

To truly master French frequency, you need to know where de temps en temps fits in the family of adverbs. French has a rich vocabulary for describing how often things happen, and choosing the right one can change the entire tone of your sentence.

1. Parfois & Quelquefois

These are the closest relatives. 'Parfois' is very common and slightly more formal than 'de temps en temps'. 'Quelquefois' is a bit more old-fashioned or literary but means exactly the same thing. Use 'parfois' when you want to be concise.

"Il arrive parfois que le train soit en retard." (It sometimes happens that the train is late.)

2. Occasionnellement

This is the direct cognate of 'occasionally'. It is more formal and often used in professional or technical contexts. It suggests that there is a specific 'occasion' or reason for the event, rather than just a random interval of time.

De temps à autre
A very elegant synonym. It's slightly more sophisticated than 'de temps en temps'.
Rarement
The opposite end of the spectrum. Use this when the frequency is very low.

3. De loin en loin

This is a beautiful, more literary expression. It implies a much longer gap between occurrences. If 'de temps en temps' is every few weeks, 'de loin en loin' might be every few years or across great distances.

4. Épisodiquement

This is used when something happens in 'episodes' or bursts. It’s common in medical or historical contexts. "La maladie réapparaît épisodiquement." (The illness reappears episodically.)

By expanding your repertoire to include these similar words, you can avoid repetition and express yourself with greater precision. 'De temps en temps' remains your reliable, everyday choice, but knowing its cousins allows you to paint a more detailed picture of time in your French conversations.

How Formal Is It?

フォーマル

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スラング

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難易度

知っておくべき文法

レベル別の例文

1

Je mange une pomme de temps en temps.

I eat an apple from time to time.

Simple present tense usage.

2

Elle regarde la télé de temps en temps.

She watches TV from time to time.

Standard placement at the end.

3

De temps en temps, je joue au foot.

From time to time, I play football.

Placement at the beginning for emphasis.

4

Nous allons au parc de temps en temps.

We go to the park from time to time.

Plural subject 'nous'.

5

Tu bois du thé de temps en temps ?

Do you drink tea from time to time?

Question form.

6

Il lit un livre de temps en temps.

He reads a book from time to time.

Third person singular 'il'.

7

De temps en temps, il fait beau ici.

From time to time, the weather is nice here.

Impersonal 'il fait'.

8

Je vois mes amis de temps en temps.

I see my friends from time to time.

Verb 'voir' in the present.

1

Je rendais visite à mes grands-parents de temps en temps.

I used to visit my grandparents from time to time.

Imperfect tense for past habits.

2

De temps en temps, nous sortons au restaurant.

From time to time, we go out to a restaurant.

Emphasis on frequency.

3

Il m'envoie un message de temps en temps.

He sends me a message from time to time.

Object pronoun 'm''.

4

Je fais du vélo de temps en temps le week-end.

I go cycling from time to time on weekends.

Adding a time specification 'le week-end'.

5

Est-ce que tu voyages de temps en temps ?

Do you travel from time to time?

Question with 'est-ce que'.

6

De temps en temps, elle oublie ses clés.

From time to time, she forgets her keys.

Verb 'oublier'.

7

Nous achetons des fleurs de temps en temps.

We buy flowers from time to time.

Direct object 'des fleurs'.

8

Il pleut de temps en temps en été.

It rains from time to time in summer.

Impersonal 'il pleut'.

1

Je me permets de prendre un dessert de temps en temps.

I allow myself to have a dessert from time to time.

Reflexive verb 'se permettre'.

2

De temps en temps, il est nécessaire de faire une pause.

From time to time, it is necessary to take a break.

Impersonal construction 'il est nécessaire'.

3

Nous avons eu des problèmes techniques de temps en temps.

We had technical problems from time to time.

Passé composé usage.

4

Elle repense à son enfance de temps en temps.

She thinks back to her childhood from time to time.

Verb 'repenser à'.

5

De temps en temps, je me demande si j'ai fait le bon choix.

From time to time, I wonder if I made the right choice.

Indirect question with 'si'.

6

On se voit de temps en temps pour prendre un café.

We see each other from time to time for a coffee.

Reciprocal reflexive 'se voir'.

7

Il change d'avis de temps en temps.

He changes his mind from time to time.

Expression 'changer d'avis'.

8

De temps en temps, la ville organise des concerts gratuits.

From time to time, the city organizes free concerts.

Subject 'la ville'.

1

Il est tout à fait normal de ressentir du stress de temps en temps.

It is completely normal to feel stress from time to time.

Infinitive clause after 'il est normal de'.

2

De temps en temps, les marchés financiers subissent des fluctuations.

From time to time, financial markets undergo fluctuations.

Formal vocabulary 'subir', 'fluctuations'.

3

Je m'accorde une journée de repos de temps en temps pour décompresser.

I grant myself a day off from time to time to decompress.

Reflexive 'm'accorder'.

4

De temps en temps, il arrive que la réalité dépasse la fiction.

From time to time, it happens that reality exceeds fiction.

Subjunctive after 'il arrive que'.

5

Nous devrions remettre en question nos méthodes de temps en temps.

We should question our methods from time to time.

Conditional 'devrions'.

6

De temps en temps, elle s'évade en lisant de la poésie.

From time to time, she escapes by reading poetry.

Gerund 'en lisant'.

7

Il est bon de sortir de sa zone de confort de temps en temps.

It is good to step out of one's comfort zone from time to time.

Abstract expression 'zone de confort'.

8

De temps en temps, le gouvernement propose de nouvelles réformes.

From time to time, the government proposes new reforms.

Political context.

1

L'auteur insère des touches d'humour de temps en temps pour alléger le récit.

The author inserts touches of humor from time to time to lighten the narrative.

Literary analysis context.

2

De temps en temps, une lueur d'espoir surgit au milieu du chaos.

From time to time, a glimmer of hope arises in the midst of chaos.

Metaphorical usage.

3

Il convient de réévaluer nos priorités de temps en temps.

It is appropriate to re-evaluate our priorities from time to time.

Formal 'il convient de'.

4

De temps en temps, l'histoire semble se répéter de manière ironique.

From time to time, history seems to repeat itself in an ironic way.

Philosophical observation.

5

Elle éprouve le besoin de s'isoler de temps en temps pour réfléchir.

She feels the need to isolate herself from time to time to reflect.

Complex verb 'éprouver le besoin'.

6

De temps en temps, la science fait des découvertes qui bouleversent nos certitudes.

From time to time, science makes discoveries that shatter our certainties.

Advanced vocabulary 'bouleverser'.

7

Il est impératif que nous fassions le point de temps en temps.

It is imperative that we take stock from time to time.

Subjunctive 'fassions'.

8

De temps en temps, le silence est plus éloquent que les mots.

From time to time, silence is more eloquent than words.

Rhetorical statement.

1

Le cosmos, dans son immensité, nous rappelle notre insignifiance de temps en temps.

The cosmos, in its immensity, reminds us of our insignificance from time to time.

High-level literary style.

2

De temps en temps, le génie humain parvient à transcender les limites du possible.

From time to time, human genius manages to transcend the limits of the possible.

Abstract and formal.

3

Il n'est pas rare que des civilisations s'effondrent de temps en temps sous le poids de leur propre démesure.

It is not rare for civilizations to collapse from time to time under the weight of their own excess.

Double negation 'il n'est pas rare'.

4

De temps en temps, l'artiste doit se confronter au vide pour retrouver l'inspiration.

From time to time, the artist must confront the void to find inspiration again.

Existential theme.

5

Les structures sociales doivent être remaniées de temps en temps pour éviter la sclérose.

Social structures must be reshaped from time to time to avoid stagnation.

Sociological context.

6

De temps en temps, la vérité émerge des décombres de la propagande.

From time to time, truth emerges from the rubble of propaganda.

Political philosophy.

7

Il est salutaire de remettre en cause les paradigmes établis de temps en temps.

It is beneficial to challenge established paradigms from time to time.

Academic/Intellectual tone.

8

De temps en temps, le destin semble s'amuser à brouiller les pistes.

From time to time, fate seems to enjoy blurring the tracks.

Personification of 'destin'.

よく使う組み合わせ

aller au cinéma de temps en temps
voir des amis de temps en temps
manger du chocolat de temps en temps
faire du sport de temps en temps
voyager de temps en temps
appeler quelqu'un de temps en temps
sortir de temps en temps
lire de temps en temps
travailler de temps en temps
pleuvoir de temps en temps

よく使うフレーズ

Ça arrive de temps en temps.

Il faut changer de temps en temps.

On se voit de temps en temps.

Juste de temps en temps.

De temps en temps seulement.

Même de temps en temps.

Surtout de temps en temps.

De temps en temps, pourquoi pas ?

Comme ça, de temps en temps.

Un peu de temps en temps.

よく混同される語

de temps en temps vs tout le temps (all the time)

de temps en temps vs parfois (sometimes - more random)

de temps en temps vs rarement (rarely)

慣用句と表現

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間違えやすい

de temps en temps vs

de temps en temps vs

de temps en temps vs

文型パターン

使い方

nuance

Implies a rhythmic but irregular occurrence.

formality

Suitable for all levels of formality.

よくある間違い
  • Saying 'temps en temps' without the 'de'.
  • Saying 'de temps à temps'.
  • Forgetting the 's' on 'temps'.
  • Putting it between 'ne' and 'pas'.
  • Pronouncing the final 's' in 'temps'.

ヒント

The Liaison

Make sure to link 'temps' and 'en' with a 'z' sound. It makes you sound much more native.

Variety

If you've used 'de temps en temps' once, try 'parfois' or 'de temps à autre' for the next one.

Fixed Phrase

Don't try to translate it word-for-word. Treat it as a single unit of meaning.

Synonyms

Learn 'parfois' alongside it to have options for different levels of formality.

Context

Listen for the tone; it often indicates if the speaker enjoys the occasional activity.

Casual Conversations

Use it when people ask about your hobbies to sound humble and balanced.

DELF Tip

Use this phrase in your speaking exam to show you can use adverbial locutions.

French Rhythm

Notice how it's used to describe the 'petit plaisir' (small pleasures) of life.

Literature

Look for it in novels to see how authors use it to build character habits.

Frequency Scale

Place it mentally between 'rarement' and 'souvent' on your frequency scale.

暗記しよう

語源

Old French

文化的な背景

Reflects the French value of 'plaisir' (pleasure) in moderation.

Used to describe habits without sounding obsessive.

実生活で練習する

実際の使用場面

会話のきっかけ

"Est-ce que tu vas au cinéma de temps en temps ?"

"Qu'est-ce que tu fais de temps en temps pour te détendre ?"

"Est-ce qu'il pleut de temps en temps dans ta ville ?"

"Tu vois tes cousins de temps en temps ?"

"Est-ce que tu changes de décor de temps en temps ?"

日記のテーマ

Décris une activité que tu fais de temps en temps.

Pourquoi est-il important de faire une pause de temps en temps ?

Quelles sont les choses que tu aimais faire de temps en temps quand tu étais enfant ?

Est-ce que tu penses que les gens devraient changer de travail de temps en temps ?

Décris un endroit où tu vas de temps en temps.

よくある質問

10 問

It is standard French, perfectly fine for both casual and professional use.

No, that is incorrect. The fixed phrase is 'de temps en temps'.

Usually at the end, but it can also go at the beginning or after the verb.

Yes, 'temps' always has an 's' in French, even when singular.

Not really, but 'parfois' is a shorter synonym.

It sounds like 'tan-Z-en-tan'.

Yes, but 'occasionnellement' is more formal.

No, they are contradictory.

Yes, 'J'y suis allé de temps en temps' is correct.

Very common, as it helps with the rhythm and rhyme.

自分をテスト 179 問

/ 179 correct

Perfect score!

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