once

une fois

À une seule occasion.

En anglais simple : One time only.

• I have been there once.
• We meet once a week.
• Please say that once again.

Comment l'utiliser : once a day/week/month (We water the plants once a week.)

Synonymes : one time

Expressions courantes : only once, once again, once a week

autrefois, jadis

À une époque passée, généralement pour une situation qui n’existe plus.

En anglais simple : At a time in the past, although usually no longer true.

• This building was once a school.
• I once knew a man who kept snakes.
• She was once very famous.

Synonymes : formerly, previously

Expressions courantes : once famous, once lived, once knew

une fois que, dès que

Introduit ce qui se passe après un événement ou quand une condition est remplie.

En anglais simple : After something happens or becomes true.

• Once you finish, you can leave.
• Call me once you get home.
• Once she understood the rules, the game was easy.

Comment l'utiliser : once + clause (Once the rain stops, we can go outside.)

Synonymes : after, as soon as

Expressions courantes : once ready, once you finish, once it arrives

une fois, une fois que

Indique qu’une chose arrive après un événement ou une action précise.

En anglais simple : After a particular event or action has happened.

• Once finished, the cake needs to cool.
• Once back home, we unpacked our bags.
• Once the work is completed, we can relax.

Comment l'utiliser : once + clause (Once I have packed, we can leave.); once + past participle (Once signed, the agreement cannot be changed.)

Synonymes : after

Expressions courantes : once finished, once completed, once back home

une fois

Indique une seule fois pendant la période mentionnée.

En anglais simple : One time in a stated period.

• We go swimming once a week.
• She visits us once a year.
• Take this medicine once a day.

Comment l'utiliser : once a day/week/year (They meet once a month.)

Synonymes : one time

Expressions courantes : once a day, once a month, once a year

autrefois, jadis

Indique une situation qui existait avant, mais plus maintenant.

En anglais simple : At an earlier time, but no longer now.

• We were once friends.
• She was once a teacher here.
• This quiet village was once a busy port.

Synonymes : formerly, previously

Expressions courantes : once friends, once wealthy, once a teacher