De vs. depuis in French
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De vs. depuis
Reminder: Depuis expresses a duration of time.
J’habite en France depuis trois ans. I have lived in France for three years.
Il est parti depuis trois mois. He has been gone since 2006.
Il est parti depuis trois mois. He has been gone since 2006.
Using depuis to indicate a place (rather than a time) is frowned upon and technically incorrect. De is the correct option.
Je l’entends depuis ma chambre → Je l’entends de ma chambre. I can hear him from my room.
Le match est retransmisdepuis Marseille → Le match est retransmis de Marseille. The match is broadcast from Marseille.
Je t’appelledepuis l’étranger → Je t’appelle de l’étranger. I’m calling you from overseas/abroad.
Le match est retransmis
Je t’appelle
Depuis can be used with verbs of movement such as conduire, rouler, etc.
Depuis Lyon, nous avons roulé sous la pluie. We’ve been driving in the rain since Lyon.
Il a conduit sans s’arrêter depuis Bordeaux. He has driven without stopping since Bordeaux.
Il a conduit sans s’arrêter depuis Bordeaux. He has driven without stopping since Bordeaux.
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