In 15 Seconds
- Use `en ce moment` instead of the literal `à les moment`.
- Means 'currently' or 'right now' in daily conversation.
- Flexible placement at the start or end of sentences.
Meaning
This is a literal (but incorrect) translation of 'at the moment.' In natural French, you should use `en ce moment` to describe what is happening right now.
Key Examples
3 of 6Talking about work
Je travaille beaucoup en ce moment.
I am working a lot at the moment.
Describing the weather
En ce moment, il fait très beau à Paris.
At the moment, the weather is very beautiful in Paris.
Professional email
Nous étudions votre dossier en ce moment.
We are studying your file at the moment.
Cultural Background
In France, 'en ce moment' is often used to start a conversation about current events or 'l'actualité'. It's a way to bridge personal life with the wider world. Quebecers often use 'présentement' in place of 'en ce moment'. While 'présentement' is sometimes criticized as an anglicism in France, it is perfectly standard in Canadian French. In West African French, 'en ce moment' might be used with a slightly different rhythm, often followed by 'là' for emphasis, similar to 'en ce moment-là' but still referring to the present. Belgian French is very similar to Metropolitan French in this regard, but you might hear 'maintenant' used more frequently for general 'current' states.
Avoid 'À'
Never start this phrase with 'À'. It's the most common mistake for English speakers.
Use it for habits
Use it to describe a new habit you've started recently, like 'I'm drinking a lot of water en ce moment.'
In 15 Seconds
- Use `en ce moment` instead of the literal `à les moment`.
- Means 'currently' or 'right now' in daily conversation.
- Flexible placement at the start or end of sentences.
What It Means
You might be tempted to say à les moment because it sounds like a direct swap for the English phrase "at the moment." However, French doesn't work that way! In French, the correct way to say "at the moment" or "currently" is en ce moment. It’s your essential tool for describing your life, the weather, or the news right now. Think of it as a snapshot of the present. It covers anything from this exact second to this general time of year.
How To Use It
You can place en ce moment at the very beginning or the very end of your sentence. It’s very flexible! If you want to sound more natural, avoid the literal à translation. Instead, use en ce moment to anchor your sentence in the present. For example, "I am eating" becomes "I am eating at the moment" with just these three words. It’s a great way to add detail to simple A1 sentences. Just remember: en + ce + moment. No à, no les!
When To Use It
Use it when you’re catching up with a friend over coffee. It’s perfect for describing your current job or a new hobby. "I'm learning French at the moment" is a classic use case. You’ll also hear it in shops or restaurants. A server might say, "We don't have any soup at the moment." It’s also the king of small talk. Use it to complain about the rain or praise the sunshine. It makes your French sound current and active.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use this if you mean "in a moment" (meaning soon). For that, you need dans un instant. Also, don't use it for a specific point in the past. If you’re telling a story about yesterday, use à ce moment-là (at that time). And most importantly, never use the literal à les moment. It’s a common "Anglicism" that will make a Frenchman’s ears twitch. It’s a mistake every beginner makes, so don’t sweat it, just pivot to en!
Cultural Background
French culture places a high value on the present state of things. Whether it's the current political climate or the current fashion trend, the "now" is always a hot topic. En ce moment is the linguistic bridge to these discussions. In a Parisian café, you’ll hear it used to introduce opinions on everything from the price of bread to the latest movie. It’s a phrase that signals you are engaged with the world around you.
Common Variations
Pour le moment: This means "for the time being." It implies that things might change soon.Actuellement: This is the more formal version of "currently." You’ll see this in news reports or business emails.En ce moment même: This is for when you mean "at this very second." It adds a bit of drama or urgency to your sentence.À l'heure actuelle: This is very formal, used by politicians or in formal documents.
Usage Notes
This phrase is neutral and can be used in any social or professional setting. Just remember to avoid the literal English translation 'à le/les moment'.
Avoid 'À'
Never start this phrase with 'À'. It's the most common mistake for English speakers.
Use it for habits
Use it to describe a new habit you've started recently, like 'I'm drinking a lot of water en ce moment.'
The Quebec 'Présentement'
If you are in Montreal, don't be surprised to hear 'présentement' everywhere!
Examples
6Je travaille beaucoup en ce moment.
I am working a lot at the moment.
A very common way to describe your current workload.
En ce moment, il fait très beau à Paris.
At the moment, the weather is very beautiful in Paris.
Perfect for starting a conversation about the day.
Nous étudions votre dossier en ce moment.
We are studying your file at the moment.
Professional and polite way to give a status update.
Désolé, je suis au ciné en ce moment !
Sorry, I'm at the cinema right now!
Short, punchy, and clear for a quick text.
Tout le monde porte des chapeaux bizarres en ce moment.
Everyone is wearing weird hats at the moment.
Used to comment on a current (and funny) trend.
Je me sens un peu fatigué en ce moment.
I feel a bit tired lately.
Expresses a temporary state of being.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct way to say 'at the moment' in French.
Je regarde la télé _______.
'En ce moment' is the fixed idiomatic expression.
Fill in the missing words for 'right now'.
___ ___ moment, il pleut.
The phrase always starts with 'En' followed by 'ce'.
Match the phrase to the correct time period.
When should you use 'en ce moment'?
'En ce moment' is strictly for the current time.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Tu es libre ? B: Non, je travaille _______.
The speaker is explaining why they aren't free *now*.
Match the French to the English.
Match the pairs.
These are the standard translations.
🎉 Score: /5
Visual Learning Aids
Now vs. These Days
Practice Bank
5 exercisesJe regarde la télé _______.
'En ce moment' is the fixed idiomatic expression.
___ ___ moment, il pleut.
The phrase always starts with 'En' followed by 'ce'.
When should you use 'en ce moment'?
'En ce moment' is strictly for the current time.
A: Tu es libre ? B: Non, je travaille _______.
The speaker is explaining why they aren't free *now*.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are the standard translations.
🎉 Score: /5
Frequently Asked Questions
14 questionsNo, 'dans' is for physical space. Use 'en' for time.
It is neutral. You can use it with friends or in a business email.
'Maintenant' is 'now' (this second). 'En ce moment' is 'at the moment' (this period).
It's a literal translation from English that ignores French grammar rules for prepositions and articles.
No, for the past use 'à ce moment-là'.
It's slightly more formal, but 'en ce moment' is perfectly fine.
Almost never. Keep it singular: 'moment'.
Open your mouth and let the air go through your nose. Don't touch your tongue to the roof of your mouth.
Yes, 'Je travaille en ce moment' is very common.
Yes, it is universal, though Quebec has its own preferences.
It means 'right this very second'.
It is masculine: LE moment.
That means 'in those days' (usually long ago). Stick to 'en ce moment' for now.
Sometimes people add 'là' for emphasis, like 'En ce moment-là, je suis occupé.'
Related Phrases
actuellement
synonymcurrently
maintenant
similarnow
à ce moment-là
contrastat that time
pour le moment
similarfor now
en ce moment même
specialized format this very moment
