How to Express ‘Yesterday’ in French- Mastering the French Vocabulary for Time

How to say “yesterday” in French is a common question for those learning the language or simply trying to communicate with French speakers. Whether you’re planning a trip to France or just want to expand your vocabulary, knowing how to express this simple yet essential word is a great start.

In French, “yesterday” is expressed as “hier.” This word is straightforward and widely used in both formal and informal contexts. Just like in English, “hier” is often used to refer to events or actions that occurred one day before the current date. It’s important to note that in French, the past tense is often used to talk about past events, so when you say “hier,” you’re essentially indicating that you’re referring to something that happened in the past.

To make it even more useful, let’s look at a few examples of how to use “hier” in a sentence:

1. Hier, je suis allé au cinéma. (Yesterday, I went to the cinema.)
2. Hier, elle a appelé. (Yesterday, she called.)
3. Hier, nous avons mangé au restaurant. (Yesterday, we ate at the restaurant.)

In these examples, “hier” is used to provide context and time for the actions described. As you continue to learn French, you’ll find that incorporating words like “hier” into your sentences will help you communicate more effectively with native speakers.

Remember that in French, the word “hier” is pronounced as “ee-ay,” with a soft “e” and a hard “a.” It’s essential to practice the pronunciation to ensure that you’re understood by French speakers. Additionally, as with any language, the more you practice using “hier” in different contexts, the more natural it will become for you.

In conclusion, if you’re looking to say “yesterday” in French, simply use the word “hier.” This simple yet crucial word will help you express past events and actions in French conversations, making your language skills more versatile and effective. Bonne chance with your language learning journey!