depuis vs il y a
depuis still going; il y a ago
By Fabling Editorial · How we design our guides
depuis still going; il y a ago
depuis + duration with the present: J'habite ici depuis deux ans. il y a + duration marks how long ago: Je suis arrivé il y a deux ans.
Examples in context
Read the examples and compare their English meanings.
Ongoing Action (Still Happening)
Use present tense with depuis.
J'habite à Paris depuis trois ans.
I have been living in Paris for three years.
Completed Past Event (Ago)
Use past tense with il y a.
Je suis arrivé à Paris il y a trois ans.
I arrived in Paris three years ago.
Common mix-ups
Finishing studies is a completed past action, so you must use 'il y a' instead of 'depuis'.
I finished my studies two years ago.
Try a reply
Say or write your answer in French before opening the example.
I have been learning French for six months.
Show one possible answer
J'apprends le français depuis six mois.
Other wording can work too. Compare the verb form, agreement, and word order with the lesson. Then try a sentence about your own day.
Keep practicing
Related grammar
Practice French grammar in context
Fabling builds stories and podcast lessons around your vocabulary, interests, and learning progress.
Your first personalized story is free. No card needed.