Meaning
Complete a task more quickly than expected.
Cultural Background
The TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse) is a national pride because it allows people to 'gagner du temps' between major cities, making a Paris-Lyon trip only 2 hours. Due to the proximity to English, 'sauver du temps' is frequently heard in casual speech, though teachers and the OQLF (Office québécois de la langue française) insist on 'gagner du temps'. In many West African cultures, time is viewed more flexibly. 'Gagner du temps' might be used more in the sense of 'buying time' in social negotiations rather than just mechanical efficiency. In a culture famous for watchmaking and precision, 'gagner du temps' is highly valued in professional settings and public transport punctuality.
The 'Faire' Trick
If a thing (like a car or a computer) is saving you time, always use 'faire gagner du temps'. Example: 'L'avion me fait gagner du temps.'
No 'Sauver'!
Avoid 'sauver du temps' at all costs in formal writing. It's the #1 marker of an English speaker.
Meaning
Complete a task more quickly than expected.
The 'Faire' Trick
If a thing (like a car or a computer) is saving you time, always use 'faire gagner du temps'. Example: 'L'avion me fait gagner du temps.'
No 'Sauver'!
Avoid 'sauver du temps' at all costs in formal writing. It's the #1 marker of an English speaker.
Stalling Context
If you're in a conversation and need a moment to think, say: 'Attendez, je vérifie mes notes pour gagner du temps...'
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'gagner du temps'.
Si nous prenons le TGV, nous allons ________.
The TGV is a high-speed train, so it helps you save time.
Which sentence is correct?
How do you say 'This saves me time'?
In French, we use the causative 'faire' when an object causes us to save time.
Match the meaning of 'gagner du temps' to the situation.
Situation: A student asks many questions at the end of class so the teacher doesn't assign homework.
The student is trying to delay the homework assignment.
Fill in the missing line.
A: Pourquoi tu as acheté un lave-vaisselle ? B: ____________________.
A dishwasher is a tool for efficiency.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Gagner vs. Perdre
Practice Bank
4 exercisesSi nous prenons le TGV, nous allons ________.
The TGV is a high-speed train, so it helps you save time.
How do you say 'This saves me time'?
In French, we use the causative 'faire' when an object causes us to save time.
Situation: A student asks many questions at the end of class so the teacher doesn't assign homework.
The student is trying to delay the homework assignment.
A: Pourquoi tu as acheté un lave-vaisselle ? B: ____________________.
A dishwasher is a tool for efficiency.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, you must use the partitive 'du' (gagner du temps) or a specific number (gagner 5 minutes).
It is neutral and can be used in any context, from a business meeting to a chat with friends.
The opposite is 'perdre du temps' (to waste time).
Not always. It can also mean 'buying time' or stalling to delay something.
Because 'sauver' implies rescuing from danger. Time isn't in danger; it's a resource to be earned.
You use 'gagner de l'argent' for earning money, but 'économiser de l'argent' for saving it. Time is special!
Say 'Ça me fait gagner 10 minutes'.
It's informal/slang. Use it with friends, but not with your boss.
No, that sounds like 'earning my time'. Stick to 'gagner du temps'.
Yes, when a team tries to slow down the clock, they are 'gagnant du temps'.
Related Phrases
Perdre du temps
contrastTo waste time
Prendre son temps
similarTo take one's time
Passer du temps
similarTo spend time
Tuer le temps
specialized formTo kill time
Faire gagner du temps
builds onTo save someone time
