Possible options of translation into English:
- To have time
- To have some time
- To have the time
What part of speech can the phrase be in French?
The phrase "avoir du temps" is composed of: - Avoir: This is a verb meaning "to have". - Conjugation: It can change form based on the subject (e.g., j'ai for "I have", tu as for "you have", etc.). - Transitive verb: It is primarily used as a transitive verb, indicating possession or availability of something.
- Du: This is a partitive article that corresponds to "some" in English, used to indicate an unspecified quantity.
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Function in context: In this context, it qualifies "temps" (time) and implies that one has an indefinite amount of time available.
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Temps: This is a noun meaning "time".
- Gender: It is masculine (le temps).
- Countability: While "temps" can be uncountable when referring to a general concept of time, it can also refer to specific points in time, such as past, present, or future (one can say "deux temps" in specific contexts, such as counting the hours).
How is the word used in French?
The phrase "avoir du temps" is commonly used to express having free time or the availability to do something. It implies that the subject can engage in an activity because they are not constrained by their schedule or obligations.
Frequency of use:
The phrase "avoir du temps" is fairly common in everyday French conversation. It is particularly prevalent in informal settings when discussing schedules, personal commitments, or leisure activities.
Whether it is used in oral or written speech:
- Oral Speech: Very frequently used in spoken language, especially in casual conversations among friends, family, or colleagues.
- Written Speech: Commonly used in informal written settings such as emails, texts, and social media posts.
Examples of use in French (with translation into English):
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French: "Est-ce que tu as du temps cet après-midi pour un café?" Translation: "Do you have some time this afternoon for a coffee?"
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French: "J'ai enfin du temps pour commencer ce livre." Translation: "I finally have time to start this book."
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French: "Nous avons du temps avant le dîner, que devrions-nous faire?" Translation: "We have time before dinner, what should we do?"
Etymology:
- Avoir: Derived from the Latin verb "habere", which means "to hold, possess".
- Du: A contraction of "de le", stemming from the preposition "de" (of, from) and the article "le" (the), indicating a part of something.
- Temps: From the Latin "tempus", meaning "time, season, occasion", it denotes both the concept of time and its measurement in a broader sense.
Overall, "avoir du temps" reflects a common, essential aspect of human experience: the availability of time for activities or relaxation.