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plein temps

B1 adjective 15 min read

plein temps

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips plein temps in 30 Seconds

Explanation plein temps in your Level:

At the A1 level, you are just beginning to learn how to talk about your daily life and work. 'Plein temps' is a very useful phrase because it allows you to state your professional status simply. You will mostly use it in the phrase 'à plein temps'. For example, you might say 'Je travaille à plein temps' to tell someone you have a full-time job. At this stage, don't worry too much about the complex labor laws in France; just focus on the basic meaning: working all day, every day of the work week. You can compare it to 'mi-temps' (half-time) if you want to be more specific. Remember that 'temps' is pronounced 'tawn' (nasal) and the 's' is silent. It is a fixed expression, so you don't need to change it for masculine or feminine subjects. Just think of it as a single block of meaning that you add after the verb 'travailler'. This will help you answer basic questions about yourself in an introductory conversation or when filling out a simple form with your personal details. It's a foundational piece of vocabulary for any adult learner.

At the A2 level, you can start using 'plein temps' in slightly more complex sentences and contexts. You might use it to describe not just yourself, but others as well. For instance, 'Ma femme travaille à plein temps' or 'Mes parents sont à plein temps'. You can also begin to use it with different tenses, like the past tense: 'J'ai travaillé à plein temps l'année dernière'. You will encounter this term frequently in job advertisements (petites annonces) and you should be able to identify it as a requirement for certain positions. You might also start to see the term 'temps plein' used as a noun, as in 'C'est un temps plein'. At this level, you should also be aware of the opposite, 'temps partiel', and be able to use both to describe different working arrangements. You are moving beyond simple statements and starting to describe the lives of people around you and your own professional history. Understanding 'plein temps' helps you navigate basic social interactions where people discuss their jobs and schedules, which is a very common topic in French culture.

As a B1 learner, you should have a solid grasp of 'plein temps' and be able to use it fluently in discussions about work-life balance, career goals, and social issues. You can use it to express preferences: 'Je préfère travailler à plein temps pour gagner plus d'argent'. You can also use it in more abstract ways, such as describing a commitment to a project or a hobby: 'S'occuper de ce jardin est un travail à plein temps !' At this level, you should be aware of the cultural context of the 35-hour week in France and how 'plein temps' relates to it. You can participate in conversations about the pros and cons of full-time versus part-time work. You should also be comfortable using it in written French, such as in a cover letter (lettre de motivation) where you might state, 'Je suis à la recherche d'un poste à plein temps'. Your vocabulary is expanding to include related terms like 'CDI' and 'RTT', and you can explain how 'plein temps' fits into the broader picture of an individual's life and responsibilities. You are now using the term as a tool for more nuanced self-expression and cultural analysis.

At the B2 level, you are expected to use 'plein temps' with precision and understand its implications in professional and legal contexts. You should be able to discuss the socio-economic impacts of full-time employment trends in France and other francophone countries. For example, you might analyze how the 'uberization' of the economy affects the availability of 'plein temps' positions. You should be familiar with the more formal alternative 'temps complet' and know when to use it in administrative or legal writing. You can also handle more complex grammatical structures involving the term, such as 'Bien qu'elle soit employée à plein temps, elle trouve le temps de faire du bénévolat'. Your understanding of the term includes its nuances in different francophone regions, such as the preference for 'temps plein' in Quebec. You can debate the merits of the 35-hour week and how it defines 'plein temps' in the French context versus other countries. At this level, 'plein temps' is not just a vocabulary word but a concept that you can manipulate to express complex ideas about society, economics, and personal philosophy.

At the C1 level, your use of 'plein temps' should be indistinguishable from that of a native speaker, including the subtle choice between 'plein temps', 'temps plein', and 'temps complet' based on the register and context. You can use the term in sophisticated arguments about labor law, economic policy, and sociological trends. You might explore the evolution of the concept of 'plein temps' from the industrial revolution to the digital age. You are capable of understanding and using the term in high-level academic or professional environments, such as during a board meeting or in a published article. You can also appreciate the metaphorical and literary uses of the phrase, perhaps in a poem or a novel where 'plein temps' describes a character's total immersion in an emotion or a pursuit. Your mastery of the term allows you to navigate the most complex administrative hurdles in France, understanding the fine print of contracts and the nuances of labor disputes. You can also use the term to critique social structures, discussing how the 'plein temps' model might be changing in response to environmental or social pressures.

At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of 'plein temps' and all its linguistic and cultural baggage. You can use it with effortless precision in any context, from a casual conversation to a legal deposition or a philosophical treatise. You understand the historical development of the term and its place in the French linguistic heritage. You can play with the term, using it in irony, sarcasm, or complex metaphors. You might discuss the 'plein temps' of existence or the 'plein temps' of memory in a philosophical discussion. You are aware of the most obscure administrative uses of the term and can navigate the French bureaucracy with ease. Your understanding of the term is deeply integrated with your knowledge of French history, law, and social norms. You can advise others on the implications of 'plein temps' contracts and articulate the philosophical differences between 'working to live' and 'living to work' as they relate to the full-time model. At this level, 'plein temps' is a versatile tool in your extensive linguistic repertoire, used to convey deep meaning and precise information with total fluency and cultural sensitivity.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

plein temps in 30 Seconds

Plein temps is the French term for full-time work, usually referring to the legal 35-hour workweek in France.
It is most commonly used in the adverbial phrase 'à plein temps' following a verb like 'travailler'.
The phrase is essential for job applications, administrative forms, and discussing professional status in social settings.
It contrasts with 'temps partiel' (part-time) and is often associated with permanent contracts (CDI) and full benefits.

The term plein temps is an essential concept in the French labor market and social landscape. At its most basic level, it refers to a full-time working arrangement. In France, this is legally defined by the famous 35-hour workweek, though many professional contracts (especially for managers or 'cadres') may involve more hours balanced by 'RTT' (Réduction du Temps de Travail) days. Understanding this term is not just about vocabulary; it is about understanding how French society organizes its life around the balance of professional commitment and personal time. When someone says they work à plein temps, they are indicating a standard level of employment that usually comes with a full suite of social benefits, including health insurance, pension contributions, and paid vacation.

Legal Status: In the French Labor Code, a 'plein temps' position is the default expectation for a 'Contrat à Durée Indéterminée' (CDI), providing the most stability for an employee.

The phrase is used across all industries, from corporate offices in La Défense to local bakeries in rural Provence. It distinguishes a worker from someone working 'temps partiel' (part-time) or 'mi-temps' (half-time). Interestingly, the term 'plein temps' can also be used metaphorically to describe a commitment that demands one's entire attention, such as parenting or a demanding hobby. However, its primary home remains in the world of human resources and employment law.

Après avoir fini ses études, Julie a enfin trouvé un poste à plein temps dans une agence de marketing à Paris.

Social Implication: Working full-time in France is often associated with the 'cadre' status, which implies higher responsibilities and often a salary rather than an hourly wage.

When searching for jobs on platforms like Pôle Emploi (now France Travail) or LinkedIn, you will frequently see 'Temps plein' or 'Plein temps' listed as the 'Type de contrat'. It is a marker of financial independence and adulthood for many young French people. Moreover, the transition from 'temps partiel' to 'plein temps' is often a significant negotiation point in annual reviews. It represents a full integration into the company's operations and a commitment to the collective goals of the organization.

Le gouvernement encourage le retour au travail à plein temps pour stimuler la croissance économique nationale.

Culturally, the 'plein temps' worker is the backbone of the French economy. Despite the stereotype of the '35-hour week' meaning French people work less, many in 'plein temps' positions actually work significantly more hours, using their RTT days to maintain a work-life balance. Therefore, when you use this word, you are touching upon the delicate balance of French labor history, legal rights, and the modern reality of professional life. It is a term that carries weight beyond just the number of hours on a clock; it signifies a lifestyle and a specific set of rights and responsibilities.

Être parent est un travail à plein temps qui ne s'arrête jamais, même pendant les vacances.

Comparative Usage: In job listings, 'Temps plein' is usually the header, while in conversation, 'Je travaille à plein temps' is the standard phrasing.

Elle a décidé de passer d'un mi-temps à un plein temps pour augmenter ses revenus mensuels.

Ce projet de recherche demande un investissement à plein temps de la part de tous les scientifiques impliqués.

Using plein temps correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical function as an adjective or within an adverbial phrase. Most commonly, you will see it preceded by the preposition 'à'. For example, 'travailler à plein temps' (to work full-time). In this context, it acts as an adverbial phrase modifying the verb. However, it can also function as an adjective modifying a noun, such as 'un emploi à plein temps' (a full-time job). Unlike many French adjectives, 'plein temps' does not typically change form to agree in gender or number with the noun it modifies, as it is often treated as a compound noun used adjectivally.

Verb Association: The verb 'travailler' is the most frequent companion of 'à plein temps', but 'embaucher' (to hire) and 'recruter' (to recruit) are also common.

When constructing sentences, placement is key. As an adverbial phrase, it follows the verb. 'Je travaille à plein temps.' If you are using it to describe a noun, it follows the noun. 'C'est un poste à plein temps.' It is rare to see 'plein temps' placed before the noun. Furthermore, in formal writing, such as a curriculum vitae or a cover letter, you might see 'Temps plein' without the 'à', especially as a heading or a bullet point. This is a stylistic choice for brevity and clarity in professional documents.

Mon frère a été embauché à plein temps dès la fin de son stage de fin d'études.

Negative Constructions: To express the opposite, one might say 'Je ne travaille pas à plein temps' or use the specific alternative 'à temps partiel'.

Another nuance is the use of 'plein temps' in the context of education. A 'student à plein temps' is an 'étudiant à plein temps'. This implies that the individual is not working a job concurrently or that their studies are their primary occupation. In academic administration, this distinction is vital for determining eligibility for scholarships, housing, and social security benefits. When speaking about a mother or father who stays at home, the phrase 'mère au foyer à plein temps' or 'père au foyer à plein temps' is used to emphasize the 24/7 nature of the commitment.

L'université exige que les doctorants soient inscrits à plein temps pour recevoir leur bourse de recherche.

In technical or HR contexts, you might encounter the term 'Equivalent Temps Plein' (ETP), which translates to Full-Time Equivalent (FTE). This is used for budgeting and staffing calculations. While 'plein temps' is the general term, 'ETP' is the precise metric. For a learner, mastering 'à plein temps' allows you to discuss your professional status clearly and professionally. It is a building block for describing your daily life and your long-term career goals in a French-speaking environment.

Pour obtenir ce visa, vous devez prouver que vous avez un contrat de travail à plein temps avec un salaire minimum.

Question Forms: Common questions include: 'Cherchez-vous un travail à plein temps ?' or 'Est-ce un poste à plein temps ou à temps partiel ?'

Il est difficile de concilier une carrière à plein temps et une vie de famille épanouie sans aide extérieure.

Depuis sa promotion, elle travaille à plein temps et gère une équipe de dix personnes.

If you are living or working in a French-speaking country, plein temps will be part of the soundtrack of your daily life. The most obvious place is the workplace. During morning coffee breaks (la pause café), colleagues might discuss their schedules, especially if someone is returning from parental leave and negotiating a 'temps partiel' or returning to 'plein temps'. You will also hear it in job interviews. A recruiter will inevitably ask, 'Êtes-vous disponible pour travailler à plein temps ?' (Are you available to work full-time?). This is a standard gatekeeping question in the recruitment process.

News and Media: News reports on unemployment rates often break down statistics between full-time and part-time jobs to show the quality of employment growth.

Beyond the office, you will hear it in social settings. When friends catch up, they often talk about how busy they are. 'Je suis débordé, je travaille à plein temps maintenant et je n'ai plus de temps pour le sport' (I'm overwhelmed, I'm working full-time now and I don't have time for sports anymore). It is a marker of being 'busy' or 'settled'. In the context of the 'gig economy', many people discuss the desire to move from multiple freelance gigs to one stable 'plein temps' position for the sake of security and benefits.

À la radio ce matin, ils ont discuté de l'augmentation des contrats à plein temps dans le secteur de la santé.

Administrative Offices: At the CAF (Caisse d'Allocations Familiales), you will be asked your work status to determine your benefits eligibility.

You will also encounter it in advertisements and public service announcements. For example, a campaign encouraging people to become volunteer firefighters might say, 'Ce n'est pas un métier à plein temps, mais c'est un engagement total' (It's not a full-time job, but it's a total commitment). This contrast helps define the level of dedication required. In cinema and literature, 'plein temps' is often used to describe the grind of modern life. Characters might lament the 'métro, boulot, dodo' (subway, work, sleep) cycle associated with the standard full-time routine.

Dans le film, le protagoniste quitte son job à plein temps pour devenir artiste peintre en Bretagne.

Finally, in the education sector, teachers and professors often mention if they are 'titulaires à plein temps' (tenured full-time) or 'vacataires' (part-time/adjunct). This distinction is crucial for the hierarchy within French schools and universities. If you are a student, you will hear this when discussing your status with the administration to ensure you are meeting the requirements for your degree program. In short, 'plein temps' is a ubiquitous term that anchors an individual's position within the social and economic structure of the French-speaking world.

Le syndicat réclame plus de postes à plein temps pour réduire la précarité des jeunes travailleurs.

Daily Life: Conversationally, it is used to justify why one cannot commit to extra activities: 'Désolé, avec mon plein temps, je n'ai plus de temps libre.'

Elle a enfin obtenu un contrat à plein temps après trois ans de contrats courts.

Le recrutement à plein temps est en baisse dans le secteur de la restauration cet été.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make with plein temps is forgetting the preposition 'à'. In English, we say 'I work full-time'. If you translate this literally as 'Je travaille plein temps', it sounds incomplete and slightly 'off' to a native ear. The correct form is 'Je travaille à plein temps'. This 'à' is crucial because it transforms the noun phrase into an adverbial phrase. Another common error is confusing 'plein temps' with 'temps plein'. While both are used, 'temps plein' is often used as a compound noun (un temps plein), whereas 'plein temps' is more common in the adverbial phrase 'à plein temps'.

Spelling and Pronunciation: A common spelling mistake is writing 'temp' instead of 'temps'. Remember that 'temps' (time) always has an 's', even in the singular.

Pronunciation also trips up many learners. The 'p' and 's' in 'temps' are silent. It should sound like /tɑ̃/. Some learners try to pronounce the 's' because they see it, but this is a mistake. Furthermore, ensure the 'n' in 'plein' is a nasal vowel /plɛ̃/ and not a hard 'n' sound as in the English word 'plain'. Mispronouncing these can make the phrase difficult for a native speaker to understand, especially in a noisy environment like an office or a café.

Faux: Je cherche un job plein temps. Correct: Je cherche un job à plein temps.

Agreement Errors: Learners often try to make 'plein' agree with a feminine noun, like 'une occupation pleine temps'. This is incorrect; the phrase is fixed.

Another mistake is using 'plein temps' when 'temps complet' would be more appropriate in a very formal legal document. While they mean the same thing, 'temps complet' is the official terminology used by the French administration and in employment contracts. Using 'plein temps' in a legal dispute might be slightly imprecise. Additionally, avoid confusing 'plein temps' with 'tout le temps' (all the time). 'Je travaille tout le temps' means you never stop working, whereas 'Je travaille à plein temps' means you have a standard full-time job. The distinction is subtle but important for expressing your actual schedule.

Faux: Il est un employé plein temps. Correct: C'est un employé à plein temps.

Finally, some learners use 'plein temps' to mean 'busy'. For example, 'Mon calendrier est plein temps'. This is incorrect. To say your schedule is full, you should use 'Mon emploi du temps est chargé' or 'Je suis très occupé'. 'Plein temps' specifically relates to the duration and status of an activity, usually professional or academic, not the current state of your to-do list. Mastery of these nuances will prevent you from sounding like you are translating directly from English and help you integrate more naturally into French professional circles.

Faux: Elle travaille plein-temps depuis lundi. Correct: Elle travaille à plein temps depuis lundi.

Confusion with 'Plein de': Do not confuse 'plein temps' with 'plein de temps' (lots of time). 'J'ai plein de temps' means you are not busy at all!

Faux: Un contrat de plein temps. Correct: Un contrat à plein temps.

Faux: Elle est pleine temps. Correct: Elle travaille à plein temps.

While plein temps is the go-to phrase for full-time work, several alternatives and related terms can add precision to your French. The most formal alternative is temps complet. This term is preferred in legal documents and official administrative forms. If you are signing a contract, it will likely say 'travail à temps complet'. Another related term is temps plein, which is often used interchangeably with 'plein temps', though 'à plein temps' remains the most common adverbial usage in France. In Quebec, 'temps plein' is almost exclusively used, mirroring the English structure.

Temps Complet vs Plein Temps: 'Temps complet' is technical and administrative; 'plein temps' is conversational and general. Use 'temps complet' on a tax return and 'plein temps' with a friend.

On the opposite side of the spectrum, you have temps partiel (part-time). This is any work arrangement that is less than the legal full-time limit. A specific type of part-time work is mi-temps, which literally means half-time (usually 50% of a full-time schedule). In recent years, the term temps réduit has also gained traction, especially in discussions about work-life balance and parental leave. It refers to a schedule that is slightly less than full-time but more than half-time, such as working 80% or 90% of a full week.

Bien que son contrat soit à temps complet, il finit souvent ses journées plus tôt grâce à ses RTT.

CDI (Contrat à Durée Indéterminée): While not a synonym for 'plein temps', a CDI is the type of contract most often associated with full-time employment stability in France.

If you want to describe someone who is fully committed to a cause or a role without specifically talking about employment, you might use à 100% (at one hundred percent). For example, 'Il s'investit à 100% dans son association'. This conveys the same level of dedication as 'plein temps' but in a more figurative sense. Another useful phrase is exclusivement, which can be used to say someone works exclusively for one company. 'Elle travaille exclusivement pour nous à plein temps'.

Le passage d'un mi-temps à un plein temps nécessite souvent un avenant au contrat de travail original.

Finally, consider the term salarié. While it just means 'employee', in many contexts, being 'salarié' implies a 'plein temps' position with all the associated benefits, as opposed to being 'auto-entrepreneur' (self-employed) or 'intérimaire' (temporary worker). Understanding these distinctions helps you navigate the complexities of the French professional world with confidence. Whether you are looking for a job, discussing your career with friends, or filling out paperwork, knowing when to use 'plein temps' versus 'temps complet' or 'mi-temps' is a sign of advanced linguistic and cultural competence.

Elle a choisi de rester à temps partiel pour pouvoir s'occuper de ses enfants le mercredi après-midi.

Contractual Nuance: 'Temps plein' is the category, 'Plein temps' is the state of working, and 'Temps complet' is the legal definition.

Le poste est proposé à temps plein avec une période d'essai de trois mois renouvelable.

L'entreprise favorise le travail à temps réduit pour les seniors proches de la retraite.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The silent 's' in 'temps' is a vestige of its Latin origin 'tempus', whereas in Old French it was often written 'tens'. The 's' was restored to reflect its etymological roots.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /plɛ̃ tɑ̃/

US /plɛ̃ tɑ̃/

The stress is even, with a slight emphasis on the final nasal vowel of 'temps'.

Rhymes With

printemps longtemps entretemps battant content souvent maintenant pourtant

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'n' in 'plein' as a hard consonant.
Pronouncing the 'p' in 'temps'.
Pronouncing the 's' in 'temps'.
Using an English 'ay' sound for 'plein' instead of the nasal 'in'.
Pronouncing the 't' in 'temps' too sharply.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize in job ads and texts due to its similarity to English.

Writing 3/5

Requires remembering the preposition 'à' and the silent 's' in 'temps'.

Speaking 3/5

Nasal vowels can be tricky for beginners to pronounce correctly.

Listening 2/5

Generally clear, but the 'à' can sometimes be swallowed in fast speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

travail temps plein heure semaine

Learn Next

temps partiel CDI salaire congés retraite

Advanced

précarité convention collective licenciement prud'hommes syndicalisme

Grammar to Know

Preposition 'à' with work status

Je travaille à plein temps / à mi-temps.

Compound nouns as adjectives

Un poste à plein temps (no agreement with 'poste').

Nasal vowels in French

Plein (/plɛ̃/) and Temps (/tɑ̃/).

Silent final consonants

The 's' in 'temps' is never pronounced.

Placement of adverbial phrases

The phrase 'à plein temps' usually follows the verb.

Examples by Level

Je travaille à plein temps.

I work full-time.

Uses the preposition 'à' before 'plein temps'.

C'est un travail à plein temps.

It is a full-time job.

'Plein temps' acts as an adjective phrase for 'travail'.

Elle est à plein temps.

She is full-time.

Simple subject + verb 'être' + status.

Mon père travaille à plein temps.

My father works full-time.

Subject-verb-adverbial phrase structure.

Tu travailles à plein temps ?

Do you work full-time?

Basic question using intonation.

Nous cherchons un plein temps.

We are looking for a full-time (position).

Using 'plein temps' as a noun here.

Il n'est pas à plein temps.

He is not full-time.

Negative construction using 'ne...pas'.

C'est un poste à plein temps.

It is a full-time position.

'Poste' (position) is masculine.

J'ai trouvé un nouvel emploi à plein temps.

I found a new full-time job.

Passé composé with 'trouver'.

Voulez-vous travailler à plein temps ou à mi-temps ?

Do you want to work full-time or half-time?

Offering a choice between two statuses.

Elle préfère le travail à plein temps pour la sécurité.

She prefers full-time work for the security.

Using 'préférer' with a direct object.

Mon frère a un contrat à plein temps.

My brother has a full-time contract.

'Contrat' is modified by the phrase 'à plein temps'.

Est-ce que vous recrutez à plein temps ?

Are you recruiting for full-time?

Formal question using 'est-ce que'.

Il travaille à plein temps depuis deux mois.

He has been working full-time for two months.

Using 'depuis' with the present tense.

Nous avons besoin d'une secrétaire à plein temps.

We need a full-time secretary.

Using 'avoir besoin de'.

Elle a quitté son mi-temps pour un plein temps.

She left her half-time job for a full-time one.

Contrast between two employment types.

Il est difficile de trouver un poste à plein temps dans ce secteur.

It is difficult to find a full-time position in this sector.

Impersonal construction 'Il est difficile de'.

Si je travaillais à plein temps, je n'aurais plus de loisirs.

If I worked full-time, I would no longer have any hobbies.

Conditional sentence (SI + imperfect, conditional).

L'entreprise propose des postes à plein temps avec des avantages sociaux.

The company offers full-time positions with social benefits.

Plural noun 'postes' modified by 'à plein temps'.

Elle s'occupe de ses enfants à plein temps.

She takes care of her children full-time.

Metaphorical use for parenting.

Travailler à plein temps demande beaucoup d'énergie.

Working full-time requires a lot of energy.

Infinitive used as a subject.

J'espère obtenir un CDI à plein temps l'année prochaine.

I hope to get a full-time permanent contract next year.

Using 'espérer' + infinitive.

Beaucoup d'étudiants ne peuvent pas travailler à plein temps.

Many students cannot work full-time.

Negative with 'pouvoir'.

Le passage au plein temps a changé son rythme de vie.

The transition to full-time changed his lifestyle.

Using 'plein temps' as a noun after a preposition.

La loi encadre strictement le travail à plein temps en France.

The law strictly regulates full-time work in France.

Adverb 'strictement' modifying the verb.

Elle a négocié un salaire plus élevé pour son passage à plein temps.

She negotiated a higher salary for her move to full-time.

Noun phrase 'passage à plein temps'.

Le télétravail est devenu courant pour les employés à plein temps.

Teleworking has become common for full-time employees.

Adjective 'courant' and compound noun phrase.

Malgré son plein temps, il suit des cours du soir à l'université.

Despite his full-time job, he takes evening classes at the university.

Using 'malgré' with a noun phrase.

Le chômage touche aussi ceux qui cherchent un emploi à plein temps.

Unemployment also affects those seeking a full-time job.

Relative clause 'ceux qui cherchent'.

L'organisation requiert un engagement à plein temps de la part des bénévoles.

The organization requires a full-time commitment from the volunteers.

Formal verb 'requérir'.

Elle a dû renoncer à son plein temps pour des raisons de santé.

She had to give up her full-time job for health reasons.

Using 'devoir' in the passé composé.

Le contrat stipule que la durée du travail est à plein temps.

The contract stipulates that the work duration is full-time.

Subordinate clause starting with 'que'.

L'érosion du modèle à plein temps traditionnel inquiète les syndicats.

The erosion of the traditional full-time model worries the unions.

Abstract noun phrase as a subject.

Il s'agit d'une étude portant sur les conditions de vie des salariés à plein temps.

This is a study focusing on the living conditions of full-time employees.

Present participle 'portant sur'.

La flexibilité est souvent perçue comme une menace pour le plein temps stable.

Flexibility is often perceived as a threat to stable full-time employment.

Passive voice 'est perçue'.

Elle a consacré sa vie à plein temps à la défense des droits de l'homme.

She devoted her life full-time to the defense of human rights.

Adverbial phrase modifying the verb 'consacrer'.

Le débat sur la semaine de quatre jours remet en question la notion de plein temps.

The debate on the four-day week questions the notion of full-time.

Complex subject and verbal phrase 'remettre en question'.

Les disparités salariales persistent même parmi les travailleurs à plein temps.

Wage disparities persist even among full-time workers.

Adverb 'même' for emphasis.

L'automatisation pourrait réduire le besoin de main-d'œuvre à plein temps.

Automation could reduce the need for full-time labor.

Conditional mood 'pourrait'.

Le passage au plein temps est une étape cruciale de l'intégration sociale.

The move to full-time is a crucial step in social integration.

Noun phrase as a predicate nominative.

L'aliénation par le travail à plein temps est un thème récurrent de la sociologie moderne.

Alienation through full-time work is a recurring theme in modern sociology.

Complex abstract noun phrase.

Il mène une existence à plein temps vouée à la contemplation et à l'écriture.

He leads a full-time existence devoted to contemplation and writing.

Past participle 'vouée' agreeing with 'existence'.

La déconstruction du plein temps impose une redéfinition du contrat social.

The deconstruction of full-time employment necessitates a redefinition of the social contract.

Formal vocabulary like 'déconstruction' and 'impose'.

Elle vit son deuil à plein temps, incapable de se projeter dans l'avenir.

She lives her grief full-time, unable to project herself into the future.

Metaphorical use for an emotional state.

Le plein temps n'est plus l'unique vecteur de l'identité professionnelle contemporaine.

Full-time is no longer the sole vector of contemporary professional identity.

Negation 'ne...plus' and abstract noun 'vecteur'.

L'œuvre de Proust est une exploration à plein temps de la mémoire et du temps perdu.

Proust's work is a full-time exploration of memory and lost time.

Literary analysis context.

Subordonner sa vie au plein temps productiviste est un choix que beaucoup rejettent.

Subordinating one's life to productivist full-time work is a choice that many reject.

Infinitive clause as a subject.

La pérennité du plein temps est mise à mal par les crises économiques successives.

The sustainability of full-time employment is undermined by successive economic crises.

Passive voice 'est mise à mal'.

Common Collocations

travailler à plein temps

poste à plein temps

contrat à plein temps

embaucher à plein temps

étudiant à plein temps

recherche d'un plein temps

disponible à plein temps

salaire à plein temps

passer à plein temps

équivalent plein temps

Common Phrases

être à plein temps

— To be employed on a full-time basis.

Je suis à plein temps dans cette entreprise.

un job à plein temps

— A full-time job (more informal than 'poste').

C'est un job à plein temps très stressant.

occuper un plein temps

— To hold a full-time position.

Elle occupe un plein temps depuis son diplôme.

chercher un plein temps

— To look for a full-time job.

Il cherche un plein temps dans l'informatique.

proposer un plein temps

— To offer a full-time position.

Le patron lui a proposé un plein temps.

revenir à plein temps

— To return to full-time work after a break or part-time period.

Elle revient à plein temps en septembre.

travailler à plein temps pour soi

— To be self-employed full-time.

Il travaille à plein temps pour soi comme consultant.

engagement à plein temps

— A full-time commitment (can be non-professional).

C'est un engagement à plein temps pour la cause.

mère à plein temps

— A full-time stay-at-home mother.

Elle a choisi d'être mère à plein temps.

père à plein temps

— A full-time stay-at-home father.

Il est père à plein temps depuis la naissance de son fils.

Often Confused With

plein temps vs temps complet

They mean the same, but 'temps complet' is more legal/formal.

plein temps vs tout le temps

Means 'all the time' (frequency), not 'full-time' (status).

plein temps vs plein de temps

Means 'lots of time' (free time), the opposite of being busy.

Idioms & Expressions

"un travail à plein temps"

— Often used to describe something that is very demanding, even if not a job.

Éduquer des jumeaux est un travail à plein temps !

informal

"vivre à plein temps"

— To live life to the fullest or focus entirely on living.

Il a décidé de vivre sa passion à plein temps.

metaphorical

"être à plein temps sur quelque chose"

— To be completely focused on a specific task.

Je suis à plein temps sur ce dossier jusqu'à demain.

professional

"souffrir à plein temps"

— To be in constant pain or distress.

Depuis l'accident, il souffre à plein temps.

literary

"aimer à plein temps"

— To love someone with all one's heart and time.

Elle l'aime à plein temps, sans réserve.

poetic

"rêver à plein temps"

— To be a constant dreamer or distracted.

C'est un garçon qui rêve à plein temps.

informal

"mentir à plein temps"

— To be a habitual or pathological liar.

On ne peut pas lui faire confiance, il ment à plein temps.

informal

"s'investir à plein temps"

— To invest all one's effort and time into something.

Il s'est investi à plein temps dans son association.

neutral

"penser à plein temps"

— To be constantly thinking or overthinking.

Elle pense à plein temps à son avenir.

neutral

"servir à plein temps"

— To serve (in a military or religious sense) full-time.

Il sert à plein temps dans la Marine Nationale.

formal

Easily Confused

plein temps vs printemps

Sounds similar to 'plein temps' for beginners.

Printemps means spring (the season); plein temps means full-time.

Le printemps commence en mars, mais je travaille à plein temps toute l'année.

plein temps vs longtemps

Both end with 'temps'.

Longtemps means 'for a long time' (duration).

J'ai travaillé à plein temps pendant longtemps.

plein temps vs mi-temps

Opposite concept, both related to work hours.

Mi-temps is half-time (50%); plein temps is 100%.

Je préfère le mi-temps au plein temps.

plein temps vs temps libre

Related to 'time'.

Temps libre is free time; plein temps is work time.

Avec un plein temps, on a moins de temps libre.

plein temps vs plein

Used in many contexts.

Plein means full; in 'plein temps' it is part of a fixed phrase.

Le réservoir est plein, et je travaille à plein temps.

Sentence Patterns

Je travaille à plein temps.

Je travaille à plein temps à Lyon.

J'ai un [nom] à plein temps.

J'ai un emploi à plein temps.

Il est difficile de [verbe] à plein temps.

Il est difficile de voyager à plein temps.

Bien que [sujet] travaille à plein temps, [proposition].

Bien qu'il travaille à plein temps, il est pauvre.

Le passage au plein temps implique [nom].

Le passage au plein temps implique plus de responsabilités.

La pérennité du modèle à plein temps est [adjectif].

La pérennité du modèle à plein temps est incertaine.

Je cherche un poste à plein temps en tant que [métier].

Je cherche un poste à plein temps en tant que serveur.

Est-ce que c'est un travail à plein temps ?

Est-ce que c'est un travail à plein temps ou temporaire ?

Word Family

Nouns

temps

plénitude

Verbs

remplir

temporiser

Adjectives

plein

temporel

mi-temps

temps partiel

temps complet

printemps

emploi

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in professional and social contexts.

Common Mistakes

Je travaille plein temps. → Je travaille à plein temps.
You need the preposition 'à' to make it an adverbial phrase.
Un emploi plein temps. → Un emploi à plein temps.
Even when modifying a noun, the 'à' is usually required for the phrase to be natural.
Elle est pleine temps. → Elle travaille à plein temps.
You cannot make 'plein' feminine; it is part of a fixed phrase.
J'ai beaucoup de plein temps. → J'ai un travail à plein temps.
'Plein temps' is not a quantity of time, but a status.
Je cherche un temps plein job. → Je cherche un job à plein temps.
In French, the adjective phrase follows the noun.

Tips

Always use 'à'

When describing your work status, always say 'à plein temps'. It's the most natural way to use the phrase.

Nasal vowels are key

Practice the nasal vowels in 'plein' and 'temps'. They are the most important part of being understood.

Learn 'mi-temps' too

Learning the opposite will help you remember 'plein temps' more effectively through contrast.

The 35-hour rule

Remember that full-time in France is 35 hours. This is a source of pride for many French people!

CV Tip

On your resume, 'Temps plein' is a perfect heading for your employment history sections.

Metaphorical use

Don't be afraid to use it for hobbies or parenting; it shows you understand the depth of the term.

Listen for the 'à'

In fast speech, the 'à' might sound like a tiny 'ah' sound before 'plein'. Train your ear to catch it.

The silent 's'

Always write 'temps' with an 's'. It's one of those French words that never loses its final letter.

Contract types

Understand that 'plein temps' is a status, not a contract. You can be 'plein temps' in a CDD or CDI.

Quebec variation

If you are in Montreal, expect to hear 'temps plein' more often than 'plein temps'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Plane' (plein) flying through 'Time' (temps) for the 'Full' duration of its journey. You are on the plane of work for the full time.

Visual Association

Imagine a glass completely full of water labeled 'WORK'. There is no room for anything else because it is 'plein' (full).

Word Web

travail salaire contrat 35 heures bureau carrière engagement stabilité

Challenge

Try to use 'à plein temps' in three different sentences today: one about your job, one about a friend's job, and one about a hobby that takes up all your time.

Word Origin

The term is a compound of 'plein' and 'temps'. 'Plein' comes from the Latin 'plenus', meaning full, filled, or complete. 'Temps' comes from the Latin 'tempus', meaning time, period, or season. The combination emerged as a way to describe a complete allocation of one's available working hours.

Original meaning: Literally 'full time', describing a duration that occupies the whole of a standard period.

Romance (Latin roots).

Cultural Context

Be aware that for many, 'plein temps' is a privilege they cannot access, leading to 'précarité' (job insecurity) in part-time or gig work.

In the US or UK, 'full-time' usually starts at 35-40 hours but often lacks the strict legal cap and RTT system found in France.

The film 'L'Emploi du temps' (Time Out) by Laurent Cantet explores the psychological impact of losing a full-time job. The song 'Le Travail c'est la santé' by Henri Salvador ironically discusses work commitment. The French Labor Code (Code du Travail) contains hundreds of pages defining the rights of 'plein temps' workers.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Job Interview

Le poste est-il à plein temps ?
Je suis disponible à plein temps.
Quels sont les horaires pour un plein temps ?
Je préfère un contrat à plein temps.

Administrative Forms

Cochez la case 'plein temps'.
Justificatif de travail à plein temps.
Statut : Salarié à plein temps.
Nombre d'heures : 35h (plein temps).

Social Conversation

Tu es à plein temps maintenant ?
C'est dur de bosser à plein temps.
Elle a quitté son plein temps.
Je n'ai plus de vie avec ce plein temps.

Parenting/Family

Être maman est un plein temps.
Je cherche une nounou à plein temps.
Il est père au foyer à plein temps.
On ne peut pas être parent à plein temps et faire la fête.

Education

Je suis étudiant à plein temps.
Cursus à plein temps.
Inscription à plein temps requise.
Bourse pour les élèves à plein temps.

Conversation Starters

"Est-ce que tu travailles à plein temps ou à temps partiel en ce moment ?"

"Préférerais-tu travailler à plein temps pour un gros salaire ou à mi-temps pour avoir plus de liberté ?"

"Penses-tu qu'il soit possible d'être un artiste à plein temps aujourd'hui ?"

"Quels sont les avantages d'un poste à plein temps selon toi ?"

"Est-ce que ton job actuel te demande un investissement à plein temps ?"

Journal Prompts

Décris ta journée idéale si tu ne travaillais pas à plein temps.

Quels sont les défis de concilier un travail à plein temps et des projets personnels ?

Imagine que tu es parent à plein temps. Raconte une journée typique.

Pourquoi le modèle du travail à plein temps est-il si important dans notre société ?

Si tu pouvais choisir, travaillerais-tu à plein temps ou préférerais-tu plusieurs petits jobs ?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

The phrase 'à plein temps' is adverbial and doesn't have gender. However, 'un plein temps' (the noun) is masculine because 'temps' is masculine.

Legally, it is 35 hours per week. However, many people work more and receive RTT days in exchange.

It is better to say 'travail à plein temps'. The 'à' makes it grammatically correct as an adverbial phrase.

They are mostly interchangeable. 'À plein temps' is the standard adverbial phrase in France, while 'temps plein' is often used as a noun or in Quebec.

Usually, it stays the same in the phrase 'à plein temps'. If used as a noun, it becomes 'des pleins temps', but this is rare.

Yes, you can use it metaphorically for any total commitment, like 'être maman à plein temps' or 'un projet à plein temps'.

No. 'Plein temps' refers to the hours (full-time), while 'CDI' refers to the contract type (permanent). You can have a part-time CDI.

You don't! The 's' in 'temps' is always silent, as is the 'p'.

It is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal situations. 'Temps complet' is the strictly formal alternative.

The opposite is 'temps partiel' (part-time) or 'mi-temps' (half-time).