“Early” in French

Ingrid W.C1Kwiziq community member

“Early” in French

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

Asked 3 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).

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?

“Early” in French

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

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