When learning a new language, one of the key aspects to master is the use of prepositions. In Catalan, prepositions of time are essential for constructing coherent sentences that accurately reflect when events occur. This article will delve into the key expressions and usages of prepositions of time in Catalan, providing language learners with a solid foundation to build upon. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your skills, this guide will help you understand and use these prepositions correctly.
Common Prepositions of Time in Catalan
Prepositions of time in Catalan are used to indicate when something happens. The most common ones include “a” (at), “en” (in), “de” (of/from), “per” (for), and “durant” (during). Each preposition has its unique contexts and rules for usage, which will be explored in detail below.
A
The preposition “a” is used to specify exact times and dates, similar to the English “at.”
– A les tres de la tarda (At three in the afternoon)
– A la mitjanit (At midnight)
– A les deu del matí (At ten in the morning)
“A” is also used when referring to specific holidays or special days:
– A Nadal (At Christmas)
– A Pasqua (At Easter)
En
The preposition “en” is used to indicate months, years, and seasons. It is similar to the English “in.”
– En gener (In January)
– En 2023 (In 2023)
– En estiu (In summer)
“En” can also be used for periods of the day, though it’s less common than “al matí,” “a la tarda,” and “a la nit”:
– En el matí (In the morning)
– En la tarda (In the afternoon)
– En la nit (In the night)
De
The preposition “de” is often used to indicate a range or a part of the day. It is similar to the English “of” and “from.”
– De dos a quatre (From two to four)
– De dia (During the day)
– De nit (At night)
“De” is also used in combination with other prepositions to form more complex time expressions:
– Des de (Since/from): Des de les sis (Since six o’clock)
– Fins a (Until): Fins a les deu (Until ten)
Per
“Per” is used to indicate a duration or a period in which something happens, similar to the English “for.”
– Per una setmana (For a week)
– Per tres dies (For three days)
– Per sempre (Forever)
Additionally, “per” can be used to indicate deadlines:
– Per demà (By tomorrow)
– Per la setmana vinent (By next week)
Durant
“Durant” is used to indicate the duration of an event, similar to the English “during.”
– Durant l’estiu (During the summer)
– Durant la reunió (During the meeting)
– Durant les vacances (During the holidays)
Special Expressions and Idioms
Catalan, like any language, has its unique idiomatic expressions involving prepositions of time. These expressions often don’t translate directly into English but are crucial for sounding natural in conversation.
Al cap de
This expression means “after” a certain period of time. It is used to describe an event that happens a specific time after another event.
– Al cap de tres dies (After three days)
– Al cap d’una setmana (After a week)
Fa
“Fa” is used to indicate how long ago something happened, similar to the English “ago.”
– Fa cinc anys (Five years ago)
– Fa tres mesos (Three months ago)
– Fa una estona (A while ago)
Des de fa
This expression combines “des de” (since/from) and “fa” (ago) to indicate the duration of an ongoing action that started in the past.
– Des de fa deu anys (For ten years)
– Des de fa una hora (For an hour)
– Des de fa molt temps (For a long time)
Abans de
“Abans de” means “before” and is used to indicate that one event happens prior to another.
– Abans de dinar (Before lunch)
– Abans de la reunió (Before the meeting)
– Abans de marxar (Before leaving)
Després de
“Després de” translates to “after” and is used to indicate that one event happens following another.
– Després de sopar (After dinner)
– Després de la classe (After the class)
– Després de treballar (After working)
Practical Usage and Examples
Understanding the theory behind prepositions of time is crucial, but practice is equally important. Here are some practical examples to help solidify your understanding.
Example 1: Talking about daily routines
– Em llevo a les set del matí. (I wake up at seven in the morning.)
– Esmorzo a les vuit. (I have breakfast at eight.)
– Treballo de nou a cinc. (I work from nine to five.)
– Dino a la una del migdia. (I have lunch at one in the afternoon.)
– Faig exercici durant una hora. (I exercise for an hour.)
– Sopo a les vuit del vespre. (I have dinner at eight in the evening.)
Example 2: Discussing past events
– Vaig anar a París fa tres anys. (I went to Paris three years ago.)
– Vaig conèixer-la al cap de dos mesos. (I met her after two months.)
– Vam estar junts durant cinc anys. (We were together for five years.)
– Des de fa un any, visc sol. (For a year, I have been living alone.)
Example 3: Planning future activities
– Anirem de vacances en agost. (We will go on vacation in August.)
– Ens veurem per Nadal. (We will see each other at Christmas.)
– Abans de marxar, he de fer la maleta. (Before leaving, I need to pack my suitcase.)
– Després de la reunió, anirem a sopar. (After the meeting, we will go to dinner.)
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Language learners often make mistakes when using prepositions of time, which can lead to misunderstandings. Here are some common errors and tips on how to avoid them.
Mixing up “a” and “en”
– Incorrect: En les sis de la tarda (At six in the afternoon)
– Correct: A les sis de la tarda (At six in the afternoon)
Remember that “a” is used for specific times, while “en” is used for months, years, and seasons.
Confusing “de” and “durant”
– Incorrect: Treballo de nou hores. (I work of nine hours.)
– Correct: Treballo durant nou hores. (I work for nine hours.)
Use “durant” to indicate duration and “de” to indicate a range or part of the day.
Incorrect use of “fa” and “des de fa”
– Incorrect: Visc aquí fa cinc anys. (I live here ago five years.)
– Correct: Visc aquí des de fa cinc anys. (I have been living here for five years.)
Use “fa” to indicate how long ago something happened and “des de fa” for ongoing actions that started in the past.
Exercises for Practice
To help reinforce your understanding of prepositions of time in Catalan, here are some exercises. Try to complete them without looking at the answers first.
Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks with the correct preposition of time.
1. ___ les sis de la tarda
2. ___ gener
3. ___ dos a quatre
4. ___ la nit
5. ___ una setmana
6. ___ l’estiu
7. ___ tres dies
8. ___ una hora
9. ___ dinar
10. ___ sopar
Exercise 2: Translate the following sentences into Catalan.
1. I wake up at seven in the morning.
2. We will go on vacation in August.
3. After dinner, we will go for a walk.
4. I went to Paris three years ago.
5. Before leaving, I need to pack my suitcase.
Answers:
Exercise 1:
1. A les sis de la tarda
2. En gener
3. De dos a quatre
4. De nit
5. Per una setmana
6. Durant l’estiu
7. Al cap de tres dies
8. Des de fa una hora
9. Abans de dinar
10. Després de sopar
Exercise 2:
1. Em llevo a les set del matí.
2. Anirem de vacances en agost.
3. Després de sopar, anirem a passejar.
4. Vaig anar a París fa tres anys.
5. Abans de marxar, he de fer la maleta.
Conclusion
Mastering prepositions of time in Catalan is a crucial step in achieving fluency and ensuring clear communication. By understanding the rules and contexts of “a,” “en,” “de,” “per,” and “durant,” as well as common idiomatic expressions, you can navigate conversations with greater confidence and accuracy. Practice regularly, pay attention to common pitfalls, and soon you’ll find yourself using these prepositions naturally and correctly in your everyday Catalan interactions. Happy learning!
