Now translated as maintenant

Anne D.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

Now translated as maintenant

Can I ask about the following sentence:  "Now, remember that at the time" —> Maintenant, rappelez-vous qu'à l'époque"

In the English sentence "Now," functions as a filler, rather than meaning literally "at the moment" - you could as easily say "Well," or "So," without changing the sense of the narrative. I was expecting "donc" or "alors" and wonder if it’s common to use "maintenant’ like this?

Asked 1 year ago
Maarten K.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor Correct answer

It may not high French, and it may not be the most common filler, but it is certainly used by native French speakers. It functions both as a filler and also to draw the attention of listeners to a relevant point about to be made, as 'now' can be used in English. 

CécileKwiziq team memberCorrect answer

Hi Anne, 

After discussion within the team, we have decided to accept 'alors' which, as a filler word, is very close in meaning to 'maintenant'.

Thank you for pointing this out!

Chris W.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

That doesn't sound like good, proper French . A common filler word would be alors in that case.

Now translated as maintenant

Can I ask about the following sentence:  "Now, remember that at the time" —> Maintenant, rappelez-vous qu'à l'époque"

In the English sentence "Now," functions as a filler, rather than meaning literally "at the moment" - you could as easily say "Well," or "So," without changing the sense of the narrative. I was expecting "donc" or "alors" and wonder if it’s common to use "maintenant’ like this?

Sign in to submit your answer

Don't have an account yet? Join today

Ask a question

Find your French level for FREE

Test your French to the CEFR standard

Find your French level
Getting that for you now...