Meaning
To occupy oneself with an activity or with people.
Cultural Background
The concept of 'flâner' (wandering without purpose) is a celebrated way to 'passer du temps' in French cities. In Quebec, you might hear 'prendre du temps' (to take time) used more frequently in contexts where European French would use 'passer'. Social time is often communal and extended, known as 'la palabre', where passing time talking is a vital social glue.
The 'Du' Rule
Always remember the partitive article 'du'. It's like saying 'some time' in English.
Money vs Time
If you use 'dépenser', French people will think you are talking about your wallet, not your watch!
Meaning
To occupy oneself with an activity or with people.
The 'Du' Rule
Always remember the partitive article 'du'. It's like saying 'some time' in English.
Money vs Time
If you use 'dépenser', French people will think you are talking about your wallet, not your watch!
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing verb and article.
Je _____ _____ temps avec ma sœur.
'Passer du temps' is the correct collocation for spending time.
Which sentence is correct?
Talking about a hobby:
The pattern is 'passer du temps à + infinitive'.
Match the French to the English.
Match the following:
These are three distinct time-related idioms.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Qu'est-ce que tu as fait hier ? B: J'ai _____ du temps avec mes amis.
The passé composé is required for a completed action in the past.
Match the phrase to the context.
When you want to be very formal at work:
'Consacrer' (to devote) is the formal alternative.
🎉 Score: /5
Visual Learning Aids
Passer vs Dépenser
Practice Bank
5 exercisesJe _____ _____ temps avec ma sœur.
'Passer du temps' is the correct collocation for spending time.
Talking about a hobby:
The pattern is 'passer du temps à + infinitive'.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are three distinct time-related idioms.
A: Qu'est-ce que tu as fait hier ? B: J'ai _____ du temps avec mes amis.
The passé composé is required for a completed action in the past.
When you want to be very formal at work:
'Consacrer' (to devote) is the formal alternative.
🎉 Score: /5
Frequently Asked Questions
7 questionsOnly in a negative sentence, like 'Je ne passe pas de temps ici'. Otherwise, use 'du temps'.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
'Passer le temps' implies you are doing something just to make the time go faster because you are bored.
Yes, 'passer du temps sur un projet' is very common.
It uses 'avoir' in the passé composé: 'J'ai passé du temps'.
It's similar but refers to a specific, usually shorter, instance of time.
Say 'Je passe beaucoup de temps'. Note that 'du' becomes 'de' after 'beaucoup'.
Related Phrases
Passer un bon moment
similarTo have a good time
Perdre son temps
contrastTo waste one's time
Prendre son temps
builds onTo take one's time
