Heriberto
Losque vs quand

     Hi everyone , I am learning French and I would like to know when is the appropriate time to use the French word lorsque as opposed to quand. I have read some online news articles and I have encountered "lorsque" a few times which is French for "when" - but so is "quand".  If possible could anyone provide an example or two. Thank you.

HV

Aug 2, 2018 3:53 PM
Comments · 3
2
Hello Valentin !

First, sorry for my english, I am currently trying to improve with Italki.


About the word "Quand" : we, french speakers, use this word when we want to ask a question about time (not "lorsque") instead of "when" at the beginning of the question.

For example : When did you go to the cinema last time ? Quand es-tu allé au cinéma la dernière fois ?

                            When will he go at the supermarket ? Quand ira-t-il au supermarché ?


However, we can also find the word "lorsque" (and also "quand" as synonyms) in a question, but only if it isn't to ask a question about time.
For example : When you were at cinema yesterday, which film did you see ? Quand tu étais au cinéma hier, quel film as-tu vu ?

                            When you'll go at the supermarket, could you buy tomatoes please ? Quand tu iras au supermarché, peux-tu acheter des tomates s'il te plait ?

In those examples, you can use "lorsque" or "quand".


But it's difficult to explain the difference between those words, because  they are used as synonyms.


About me , I use "Quand" when I speak et I want to use a familiar language, and I use "Lorsque" when I write and I want to use a more formal language.


I hope this first answer will help you, and that others comments will complete this one.


Bye Valentin.

August 3, 2018
Thank you very much for your help Amelie
August 7, 2018
Merci!
August 3, 2018