une fois
once
In French, the word 'une fois' is used to mean 'once'. It is often used to denote the occurrence of an action or event for one time. For example, 'Je suis allé à Paris une fois' which translates to 'I have been to Paris once'. Note that in French, numbers are very important in situating nouns, much like in English.
Example sentences using: une fois
Une fois par semaine, je vais à la gym.
Once a week, I go to the gym.
In this sentence, 'une fois' is being used to specify a frequency, which is 'once a week'. This phrase can be used to express a regular pattern or habit.
Je l'ai déjà vu une fois.
I have seen it once before.
Here, 'une fois' is used to express the count of a past event, indicating that it happened one time.
Une fois de plus, tu as oublié ton parapluie.
Once again, you forgot your umbrella.
The phrase 'Une fois de plus' translated as 'once again', indicates repetition of some behavior or event.
Une fois le travail terminé, nous irons nous promener.
Once the work is done, we will go for a walk.
The phrase 'Une fois le travail terminé' translated as 'once the work is done', is used to indicate what will happen in future after some condition is met.
Une fois dans une lune bleue, je mange du fast food.
Once in a blue moon, I eat fast food.
The phrase 'Une fois dans une lune bleue' is a French idiom meaning “very rarely”.
J'y vais une fois par an.
I go there once a year.
The phrase 'Une fois par an' can be used for something that happens sporadically, but is recurring annually.
Elle se plaint tout le temps, mais une fois n'est pas coutume.
She complains all the time, but just for once it's not her fault.
The phrase 'une fois n'est pas coutume' is an idiomatic French expression that is often used to justify an unusual or unexpected behavior.
Une fois que vous avez compris les principes de base, c'est assez facile.
Once you understand the basic principles, it's quite easy.
The phrase 'Une fois que vous avez ...' is used to mark the completion of an action that unlocks the next step, which is understood by the following context.
Il faut se lever tôt une fois dans sa vie pour voir le lever du soleil.
You have to get up early once in your life to see the sunrise.
In this example 'une fois' is not only indicating a frequency, but also a unique and meaningful event in one's life.
Je ne ferai cette erreur qu'une fois.
I will only make this mistake once.
Here, 'une fois' is used to emphasize the intention not to repeat the same mistake. This can be used to express resolution and determination.