How to Say ‘Not before’ in French
Pas avant que
pah ah-vahn kuh
[pah ah-vahn kuh]
💬 Usage Tip: Used to lay out conditions humorously, pronounced 'pa-ah-von-keh'.
🇫🇷 In France: In family settings, such phrases can introduce amusing ultimatums regarding TV choices.
Phrase Breakdown
Pas
[pah]
Not until
Used to specify when something will happen.
Pas avant que tu ne finisses tes devoirs.
Not until you finish your homework.
avant
[ah-vahn]
Before
Referring to a time earlier than a specified event.
Avant ton départ, vérifie la température.
Before you leave, check the temperature.
que
[kuh]
That
Used to introduce a clause giving further information.
Il attendra que tu finisses.
He will wait until you finish.
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