la fois
time · once
C’est un moment ou une occasion où quelque chose arrive ou se répète.
The French word "fois" means "time" or "occasion" in English, but it specifically refers to the number of occurrences or instances something happens.
For example:
- "Une fois" means "one time" or "once."
- "Trois fois" means "three times."
It is frequently used to count how many times an action occurs:
- "Je l’ai vu deux fois." (I saw him two times.)
Synonyms and differences:
-
Temps: Means "time" as a concept or duration (like hours, minutes) rather than the number of occurrences. For example, "Le temps passe vite" (Time passes quickly).
-
Moment: Refers to a point in time, an instant, or a particular occasion. For example, "Un moment de bonheur" (A moment of happiness).
-
Occasion: Means an opportunity or specific event, somewhat similar to "fois," but more related to special or particular events rather than just any repetition.
In summary, "fois" counts how many times something happened, whereas "temps" relates to the abstract concept or quantity of time, "moment" highlights a specific instant, and "occasion" emphasizes the specialness or suitability of an event or chance.
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Examples
Cette fois, nous gagnerons!noun
This time, we will win!
Une fois par semaine, je vais au marché.noun
Once per week, I go to the market.
J’ai ri trois fois ce matin.noun
I laughed three times this morning.
Je me souviens de la fois où il a commencé à pleuvoir soudainement.noun
I remember the time when it suddenly started to rain.
C'est la première fois que je voyage.noun
It is the first time that I am traveling.
J'ai oublié cette fois.noun
I forgot this time.
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