Je n'ai pas eu le temps avant mon voyage

Danielle A.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

Je n'ai pas eu le temps avant mon voyage

Can you explain why passé composé is used to translate 'I didn't have the time before my trip'? I always make this mistake because I think that the speaker means they didn't have the time for an extended period of time and I often think that imparfait should be used in those cases.

Asked 1 year ago
Jim J.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor Correct answer

Bonjour Danielle,

There is a defined end to the action, that is up to the point the trip commences.

Prior to that "not having the time" is a completed action and subsequently (when the trip starts) then is over and done with.

This is how I justify passé composé.

Hope this helps

Bonne journée

Jim

 

Je n'ai pas eu le temps avant mon voyage

Can you explain why passé composé is used to translate 'I didn't have the time before my trip'? I always make this mistake because I think that the speaker means they didn't have the time for an extended period of time and I often think that imparfait should be used in those cases.

Sign in to submit your answer

Don't have an account yet? Join today

Ask a question

Find your French level for FREE

Test your French to the CEFR standard

Find your French level
I'll be right with you...