{"id":118228,"date":"2023-07-12T14:02:42","date_gmt":"2023-07-12T18:02:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/learn\/french-transition-words\/"},"modified":"2025-05-25T05:12:57","modified_gmt":"2025-05-25T09:12:57","slug":"french-transition-words","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/french\/french-transition-words\/","title":{"rendered":"23 Key French Transition Words for Seamless Conversation"},"content":{"rendered":"

The French language has quite the catalog of transition words to help hold it all together.\u00a0Not only do they keep you from sounding robotic, but they’re also the key to writing effective essays, understanding the literature you’re reading and improving your comprehension and conversation.<\/p>\n

Here are 23 French transition words that you can start integrating into your sentences.<\/a><\/p>\n

[fluentu-toc]<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

1. D’abord
\n<\/em><\/h2>\n

Translation: <\/b>First of all<\/p>\n

Subjunctive-friendly?\u00a0<\/strong>Nah.<\/p>\n

When you think “transition word,” this may be what you’re thinking. To start with the basics, here’s one of the first transition words you likely learned in French class. It’s best at the beginning of sentences, when giving directions<\/a> or when recounting a series of events.<\/p>\n

D’abord<\/strong>, il faut r\u00e9chauffer le four. <\/em>(First of all, you must preheat the oven.)<\/p>\n

2. Ensuite
\n<\/em><\/h2>\n

Translation: <\/b>Next<\/p>\n

Subjunctive-friendly?\u00a0<\/strong>Nuh-uh.<\/i><\/p>\n

An easy way to remember this one (yet another in the series of your basic transition words), is that la\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>suite<\/strong>\u00a0<\/em>is the sequel or “the next one” in French. It’s a useful piece of vocab when delving into French book series and films, and this transition word is obviously useful for continuing a series of events or directions you may be giving.<\/p>\n

Ensuite<\/strong>, je pr\u00e9pare la tarte aux cerises. <\/i>(Next, I prepare the cherry pie.)<\/p>\n

3. Puis
\n<\/em><\/h2>\n

Translation: <\/b>Then<\/p>\n

Subjunctive-friendly?\u00a0<\/strong>Not this one, either.<\/p>\n

Then, you’ve got\u00a0puis<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/em>If you’re unfamiliar with this one, just know that it’ll come up a lot<\/strong> in literature and conversation. It’s a very useful transition word to have under your belt. Puis\u00a0<\/em>proves to be a\u00a0good fallback word to have when some of the more specific transition words slip your mind.<\/p>\n

Puis, <\/em><\/strong>je coupe les p\u00eaches.<\/em> <\/em>(Then, I cut the peaches.)<\/p>\n

4. Enfin
\n<\/em><\/h2>\n

Translation: <\/b>Finally<\/p>\n

Subjunctive-friendly?\u00a0<\/strong>Pas du tout\u00a0<\/em>(not at all).<\/p>\n

In\u00a0our\u00a0d’<\/em>abord, ensuite, puis\u00a0<\/em>sequence, we end with\u00a0enfin<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/em>This useful word is not only used as a transition to mark\u00a0la fin<\/strong> <\/em>(the end) of something, but is also an interjection\u2014a filler word, if you will.<\/p>\n

It can mean “well,” “all in all,” “I mean” or “at least.” It’s a multi-edged sword. Use it as a transition to an end or to make your conversational French more authentic.<\/p>\n

Enfin, <\/em><\/strong>on mange tout.<\/em> <\/em>(Finally, we eat everything.)<\/p>\n

5. Ainsi que
\n<\/em><\/h2>\n

Translation:\u00a0<\/b>As well as<\/p>\n

Subjunctive-friendly?\u00a0<\/strong>Nope!<\/p>\n

Getting into some more advanced vocabulary now, this means “just as.” This conjunction is useful when elaborating on something you’re already discussing. It can also be used with a different meaning of “just as,” as in “It went just as<\/strong> I thought.”<\/p>\n

Je voudrais une tarte aux pommes <\/em>ainsi que <\/em><\/strong>deux boules de glace.<\/em> <\/em>(I would like apple pie as well as\u00a0two scoops of ice cream.)<\/p>\n

6. Apr\u00e8s que
\n<\/em><\/h2>\n

Translation:\u00a0<\/b>After\/when<\/p>\n

Subjunctive-<\/b>friendly?\u00a0<\/strong>Technically, no, but French speakers tend to use the subjunctive after it regardless. So go ahead and get the extra practice.<\/p>\n

Bet you’re wondering what the difference is between\u00a0a<\/em><\/strong>pr\u00e8s que<\/strong>\u00a0<\/em>and that old favorite\u00a0a<\/em><\/strong>pr\u00e8s<\/strong>. Apr\u00e8s\u00a0<\/em>is a preposition<\/strong>, and\u00a0ap<\/em>r\u00e8s que\u00a0<\/em>is a compound conjunction<\/strong>. All that means is you use the latter when it’s followed by a verb (like in the example). If you wanted to start a sentence with “after,” then you would use the preposition:<\/p>\n

Apr\u00e8s<\/strong>, on va partir. <\/em>(After, we’re going to leave.)<\/p>\n

Remember that the\u00a0que<\/strong>\u00a0<\/em>helps link the clauses, and you should be good to link the night away.<\/p>\n

Je vais\u00a0dormir\u00a0apr\u00e8s que<\/strong> je mange toute cette tarte. <\/i>(I’m going to sleep after I eat all this pie.)<\/p>\n

7. Avant que
\n<\/em><\/h2>\n

Translation:\u00a0<\/b>Before<\/p>\n

Subjunctive-friendly?\u00a0<\/b>Yes, and don’t you forget it!<\/p>\n

Similar to\u00a0a<\/em>pr\u00e8s que,\u00a0<\/em>this conjunction is not to be confused with its definition without\u00a0que.\u00a0<\/em>The same distinction can be made\u2014avant<\/strong>\u00a0<\/em>being the preposition in this case and avant que<\/strong>\u00a0<\/i>the compound conjunction.<\/p>\n

Je vais finir la tarte avant que<\/strong> je nettoie la cuisine. <\/em>(I’m going to finish the pie before I clean the kitchen.)<\/p>\n

8. Bien que
\n<\/em><\/h2>\n

Translation:\u00a0<\/strong>Although\/even though<\/p>\n

Subjunctive-friendly?\u00a0<\/strong>Oh, most definitely.<\/p>\n

Careful not translate this one to “good that.” This conjunctive phrase is great for showing contrast and adding “conditions” to things, even though you have to know your subjunctive to use it.<\/p>\n

Il m’a donn\u00e9 une tarte aux p\u00eaches bien que<\/strong> j’aie command\u00e9 une tarte aux pommes! <\/em>(He gave me peach pie even though I ordered an apple pie!)<\/p>\n

9. D\u00e8s que
\n<\/em><\/h2>\n

Translation: <\/b>As soon as<\/p>\n

Subjunctive-friendly?\u00a0<\/strong>Never, ever.<\/p>\n

This is usually followed by not the subjunctive, but by a future tense! Makes sense considering the context. This is a great conjunctive phrase to use when making threats, lofty goals and uncertain plans. Tr\u00e8s <\/em>useful.<\/p>\n

D\u00e8s que<\/strong> la tarte arrive, je vais la d\u00e9truire. <\/em>(As soon as the pie arrives, I will destroy it.)<\/p>\n

10. Parce que\/car
\n<\/em><\/h2>\n

Translation: <\/b>Because<\/p>\n

Subjunctive-friendly?\u00a0<\/strong>No.<\/p>\n

You’re likely familiar with\u00a0parce que<\/strong>,\u00a0<\/em>and maybe less so with car<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/i>There are some slight distinctions to keep in mind for you nit-picky French speakers out there:\u00a0Car<\/em>\u00a0leans\u00a0slightly more towards “since” or “for.”\u00a0<\/p>\n

Parce que\u00a0<\/em>is a little stronger when used in speech. They both mean essentially the same thing, but it’s good to know both of them to add variety to your French conversation.<\/p>\n

J’aime les tartes plus que les g\u00e2teaux parce que (car)<\/strong> la cro\u00fbte est magnifique. <\/em>(I like pies more than cakes because the crust is magnificent.)<\/p>\n

11. Pour que
\n<\/em><\/h2>\n

Translation: <\/b>So that<\/p>\n

Subjunctive-friendly?\u00a0<\/strong>You better believe it!<\/p>\n

Oh, isn’t it great when such a useful conjunction takes the subjunctive? Well, sure it is! That’s how you get practice.\u00a0Pour<\/strong>\u00a0<\/em>means for, but for translation purposes, “so that”\u00a0<\/em>makes more sense when using this phrase.<\/p>\n

Je fais une tarte pour que<\/strong>\u00a0tu aies quelque chose \u00e0 manger ce soir. <\/em>(I’m making a pie so that you have something to eat tonight.)<\/p>\n

12. Quoi que
\n<\/em><\/h2>\n

Translation: <\/b>No matter what<\/p>\n

Subjunctive-friendly?\u00a0<\/strong>Yes…yet again!<\/i><\/p>\n

I bet your mind is reeling with how much better your French will sound once you get this one down. No matter what the medium is, it’s useful.<\/p>\n

But you may be noticing an interesting trend: A word that you’re well-versed in (bien,\u00a0quoi, pour)<\/em>, when\u00a0<\/em>added to our favorite little word\u00a0que,\u00a0<\/em>can bring out a completely different definition. Keep this in your mental notebook when you read these phrases or hear them spoken!<\/p>\n

Quoi que<\/strong> ma m\u00e8re fasse en cuisine, c’est d\u00e9licieux. <\/i>(No matter what my mom makes in the kitchen, it’s delicious.)<\/p>\n

13. Tant que
\n<\/em><\/h2>\n

Translation: <\/b>As long as<\/p>\n

Subjunctive-friendly?\u00a0<\/strong>No, you’re safe on this one.<\/p>\n

What’s\u00a0tant<\/strong>\u00a0<\/em>mean anyway? Funny you should ask, because this here is yet another example of fun words being transformed by their trusty sidekick\u00a0que. Tant\u00a0<\/em>by itself means “so much or many,” or can be used to express an indefinite quantity.<\/p>\n

If you apply that definition back to this transitional phrase, then you can see something of a rough translation that matches “as long as.” But as long as you remember the definition, you’ll be good to go.<\/p>\n

Tant que<\/strong> cette tarte est l\u00e0, je serai tent\u00e9 de la manger. <\/em>(As long as this pie is here, I will be tempted to eat it.)<\/p>\n

14. Comme \/ puisque
\n<\/em><\/h2>\n

Translation: <\/b>Since<\/p>\n

Subjunctive-friendly?\u00a0<\/strong>No and no.<\/p>\n

Even though the definition is the same on these two, there is a slight distinction. Comme <\/em><\/strong>is useful for showing both the cause and result in a sentence, whereas puisque <\/em><\/strong>just gives an explanation.<\/p>\n

Comme <\/em>also likes to hang around at the beginning of sentences, whereas\u00a0puisque <\/em>can go in the middle if it so pleases. This distinction will help you sound extra-super pro!<\/p>\n

Comme<\/strong> j’ai mang\u00e9 trop de tarte, je ne peux pas manger mes l\u00e9gumes. <\/em>(Since I ate too much of the pie, I can’t eat my vegetables.)<\/p>\n

Puisque<\/strong> je l’ai fait, je go\u00fbte en premier. <\/em>(Since I made it, I’ll taste [it] first.)<\/p>\n

15. Lorsque \/ quand
\n<\/em><\/h2>\n

Translation: <\/b><\/strong>When<\/p>\n

Subjunctive-friendly?\u00a0<\/strong>Sadly, no.<\/p>\n

These are interchangeable when talking about time, though lorsque <\/em><\/strong>is a formal upgrade of quand<\/strong>. <\/em>Gauge the situation when you pick. They both have their own special purpose as well: Quand <\/em>can mean “whenever,” and lorsque <\/em>can mean “whereas.”<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em>Je cuisinais quand\/<\/strong><\/em>lorsque<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0tu es arriv\u00e9.<\/i> <\/i>(I was cooking when you arrived.)<\/p>\n

16. Quoique
\n<\/em><\/h2>\n

Translation: <\/b>Even though<\/p>\n

Subjunctive-friendly?\u00a0<\/strong>You better believe it.<\/p>\n

Okay, I’ll admit…it does get a bit confusing here. We just did\u00a0quoi que<\/strong><\/em>, meaning “no matter what,”\u00a0<\/em>and now we’ve got the same thing minus the space in between and all of a sudden it means “even though”?<\/p>\n

These sound the same when spoken<\/a>, but you should be able to figure it out based on the context. In addition, bien que<\/strong>\u00a0<\/i>and\u00a0quoique <\/em><\/strong>can be used\u00a0interchangeably. Just another opportunity for you to diversify.<\/p>\n

Je mangerai une autre tranche quoique<\/strong> je n’aie pas faim. <\/em>(I will eat another slice even though I’m not hungry.)<\/p>\n

17. Donc
\n<\/em><\/h2>\n

Translation: <\/b>So<\/p>\n

Subjunctive-friendly?\u00a0<\/strong>Not even close.<\/p>\n

There is so much to say about this little word.\u00a0Donc<\/strong>\u00a0<\/em>is one of the holy grails of French filler words<\/a>, one of the little idiosyncrasies of French speech that you’ll pick up while in France and carry with you, smiling, forever.<\/p>\n

They use it both in the “correct” fashion, showing causation, as well as how we use it in English: “So, here’s the thing.” “So, I was heading to the store.” “So… So… So…” Remember\u00a0donc.\u00a0<\/em>Cherish it. Can you tell this is my favorite French transition word?<\/p>\n

Je veux que tu la go\u00fbtes, donc<\/strong> je garde une part. <\/em>(I want for you to taste it, so I’m saving a piece.)<\/p>\n

18. En fait
\n<\/em><\/h2>\n

Translation: <\/b>In fact<\/p>\n

Subjunctive-friendly?\u00a0<\/strong>No.<\/p>\n

You have no excuses for not remembering this one. It’s spelt and sounds similar to the English definition. Use this phrase before emphasizing an important conclusion or key point.<\/p>\n

En fait,<\/strong> l’ann\u00e9e derni\u00e8re j’ai gagn\u00e9 une competition. <\/em>(In fact, last year I won a competition.)<\/p>\n

19. Cependant
\n<\/em><\/h2>\n

Translation: <\/b>However, nonetheless<\/p>\n

Subjunctive-friendly?\u00a0<\/strong>No! No!<\/i><\/p>\n

Cependant<\/strong>\u00a0<\/em>is actually an adverb, but it still functions as a transition word. Use it at the beginning of a sentence to point out an opposition or contradiction.\u00a0Pourtant<\/strong>\u00a0<\/em>is a close cousin, but it’s a little more nuanced, as it indicates that one thing happened when another one was expected to.<\/p>\n

Cependant<\/strong>, j’aime un bon g\u00e2teau de temps en temps. <\/i>(However, I enjoy a nice cake from time to time.)<\/p>\n

20. En revanche \/ par contre
\n<\/em><\/h2>\n

Translation: <\/b>On the other hand, in opposition<\/p>\n

Subjunctive-friendly?\u00a0<\/strong>Mais non !\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

The definition is close to\u00a0cependant<\/em>, but provides a little clearer contrast. Those make for two great transition words when you’re writing essays in French or can’t decide which type of pie is better.<\/p>\n

Une tarte aux pommes est classique. Par contre<\/strong>, une tarte aux tomates est bonne pour le petit-d\u00e9jeuner, le d\u00e9jeuner et le d\u00eener. <\/em>(An apple pie is classic. On the other hand, a tomato pie is good for breakfast, lunch and dinner.)<\/p>\n

21. En plus \/ en outre
\n<\/em><\/h2>\n

Translation: <\/b>Also<\/p>\n

Subjunctive-friendly?\u00a0<\/strong>Jamais\u00a0<\/em>(never).<\/p>\n

Need to add something that you forgot before? These two are good ways to vary your language and avoid using\u00a0<\/a>aussi<\/a>\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>(also) at every turn.\u00a0En plus<\/strong>\u00a0<\/em>is common in conversation, and it, as well as\u00a0en outre<\/strong>,\u00a0<\/em>is often a better alternative to\u00a0aussi\u00a0<\/em>in written French.<\/p>\n

En outre<\/strong>, il faut choisir un bon parfum\u00a0de glace pour accompagner\u00a0la tarte. <\/em>(Also, one must choose a good ice cream flavor to go with\u00a0the pie.)<\/p>\n

22. Pour ma part \/ pour moi
\n<\/i><\/h2>\n

Translation: <\/b>For me<\/p>\n

Subjunctive-friendly?\u00a0<\/strong>Stop asking. It’s another “no.”<\/p>\n

Here are two phrases to use when you want to put emphasis on “me! me! me!”\u00a0Pour moi<\/strong>\u00a0<\/em>is a good way to order at a restaurant<\/a>, and\u00a0pour ma part<\/strong>\u00a0<\/em>is best for stating opinions.<\/p>\n

Pour moi\/ma part<\/strong>, je pr\u00e9f\u00e8re la tarte au citron. <\/em>(For me, I prefer lemon pie.)<\/p>\n

23. \u00c0 mon avis
\n<\/i><\/h2>\n

Translation: <\/b>In my opinion<\/p>\n

Subjunctive-friendly?\u00a0<\/strong>This is the last time I’m saying it…nope.<\/i><\/p>\n

But when you really want to make it all about you and your opinions, this is the best phrase. To qualify a statement as an opinion, or before you go on a rant about something you’re passionate about, this is a great transitional phrase to use and abuse!<\/p>\n

\u00c0 mon avis<\/strong>, tous ces phrases sont ridicules! <\/i>(In my opinion, all of these sentences are ridiculous!)<\/p>\n

How to Integrate French Transition Words into Your Diet<\/h2>\n

Get your feet wet with quizzes<\/h3>\n

Gauging your knowledge with a few quizzes<\/a> before you delve into any topic is always a good idea. You may even get a\u00a0little confidence\u00a0boost when you realize that you already know a sizable handful of transition words!<\/p>\n