Using ‘depuis’ and ‘il y a’
- « Back to Q&A Forum
- « Previous questionNext question »
Judy B.Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor
Using ‘depuis’ and ‘il y a’
Can I use these words interchangeably?
This question relates to:French lesson "Using the present tense (Le Présent) - and not the compound past (Le Passé Composé) - in sentences with "depuis" (since/for) in French (French Prepositions of Time)"
Asked 6 years ago
Hi judy,
The simple answer is no.
Take a look at the following lesson on how to use 'il y a' meaning 'ago'.
https://kwiziq.learnfrenchwithalexa.com/revision/grammar/expressions-of-time-il-y-a-duration-ago
Hope this helps!
Chris W. Kwiziq Q&A super contributor
Je vis en France depuis 10 ans. -- I've been living in France for 10 years.
J'ai vécu en France il y a 10 ans. -- I lived in France 10 years ago.
J'ai vécu en France il y a 10 ans. -- I lived in France 10 years ago.
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