“Early” in French

Ingrid W.C1Kwiziq community member

Why can’t you use “de bonne heure” for “early” instead of “en avance”?

Asked 4 years ago

Chris W.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor Correct answer

De bonne heure is synonymous to tôt, which means early in an absolute sense. En avance is early with regard to a scheduled time.

Je me suis réveillé de bonne heure (=tôt) -- I got up early.
Le bus est an avance. -- The bus is early (=ahead of its schedule).

Like04 years ago

Alvin S.B1Kwiziq community member

If I set my alarm to wake up at 7:00 but I wake up at six, then is "de bonne heure" the correct phrase?

Like03 years ago

Why can’t you use “de bonne heure” for “early” instead of “en avance”?

Don't have an account yet? Join today

Find your French level for FREE

Test your French to the CEFR standard