Re the example Martin n’est pas arrivé depuis longtemps.

CatherineB2Kwiziq community member

Re the example Martin n’est pas arrivé depuis longtemps.

The translation is

Martin hasn’t been here long.

If the sentence is in le passé composé wouldn’t “depuis longtemps” mean “in a long time” and thus the translation would be “Matin hasn’t been here in a long time “?

Regards

Catherine

This question relates to:French lesson "Using the compound past (Le Passé Composé) vs the present (Le Présent) in negative sentences with "depuis" (since/for) in French "

Asked 4 years ago

Like0Answer2

ChrisC1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor Correct answer

A more literal translation would be: Martin hasn't arrived since long ago. Hence the meaning that he hasn't been here long.

Like14 years ago

CatherineB2Kwiziq community member

Thanks

Like04 years ago

Catherine asked:View original

Re the example Martin n’est pas arrivé depuis longtemps.

The translation is

Martin hasn’t been here long.

If the sentence is in le passé composé wouldn’t “depuis longtemps” mean “in a long time” and thus the translation would be “Matin hasn’t been here in a long time “?

Regards

Catherine

Don't have an account yet? Join today

« “Je devais avoir trois ou quatre ans”When is joli rather than beau the right word to use? »

Ask a question

Find your French level for FREE

Test your French to the CEFR standard

Find your French level