English–French

“in the past” in French

French

Pronunciation

IPA/otʁəfwa/

Example

Autrefois, les rues étaient plus calmes.

In the past, the streets were quieter.

Illustration for autrefois (in the past)

How to say “in the past” in French

“In the past” in French is autrefois.

A remembered former world whose customs or conditions have since disappeared or changed.

Full entry for autrefois: usage tips, similar words and word origin

Example sentences with autrefois

Mes grands-parents vivaient autrefois à la campagne.

My grandparents used to live in the countryside.

Tips for using autrefois

  • Unlike English 'once', autrefois normally refers to a former period or recurring past situation rather than a single past event.

“in the past” in other languages