French sentance (i do not understand)?

Question

Sorry but i do not understand why you would you use "il est" instead of just "c'est"... i'm trying to learn french... so there's probably a easy explenation... but does anyone know

Heres an example

"Il est temps"

why can't it just be

"C'est temps" ?

Answer 1

C' is the contraction of ce, which is a demonstrative.

I guess that you don't say "this is time", but "it's time" in your own language, right?

It is as simple as that.

Answer 2

Different meanings :

Il est temps : Time to... (do something)

C'est le temps (des cerises) : This is the time in the year for cherries

That's the best I can come up with to explain the difference

If you want to use 'c'est' you have to use the word 'moment', there is still a slight difference but the general meaning is the same.

C'est le moment de... : It is time to....

Answer 3

There's no easy explanation to this trouble, it's just one of those annoying rules you've got to learn. As you become fluent, it will seem natural, and you'll wonder how you ever had any doubt about it.

Having said that, there is help on the internet, that will help you get to grips with the basic rules. Visit this website: http://french.about.com/library/weekly/a... for information.

J'espère que j'ai vous aidé,

Merci.

Answer 4

are you trying to say you have cramps

Answer 5

When you are translating a phrase or a thought, don't think of literally trying to translate each word for an exact equivalent in French.  It won't work.  

Focus on coming up with the correct concept or meaning.  Learn how the French say what you want to convey.  It may not be word for word how you are used too - but that is how they get it done.  

For example it would mean nothing to a Francophone if you translated an expression in English word for word into French.  I might say "I decided to drop by" in English.  But if I said that word for word in French you'd have the poor Francophone looking up in the sky.

Answer 6

my french is not 100% but I can tell you this much.  in french and in Spanish everything has its male or female word. Example ---They --- ellos or ellas---depending on if its guys or girls --- il or elle--- also if its guys or girls. and really its just you knowing if the word is male or female and -----its the times ---C'est temps ----and Il est temps---- is the male term  in spanish ----son los tiempos---- I know its complicated, but just try your best to know when something is male or female  good luck with your french

Answer 7

il est temps: it is time

c'est temps: this is time

Answer 8

"C'est" is generally used  when introducing something or someone; "il/elle est" is used to describe them.

C'est Brenna. (This is Brenna)

Elle est dynamique. (She is active.)

C'est un stylo. (This is a pen.)

Il est vieux. (It is old.)