French Phrase
On est dans les temps.
Meaning
Literally 'We are in the times', this idiomatic expression means 'We are on time' or 'We are within the scheduled time frame'. It reassures that a deadline or appointment is being met.
When to use
Use it when you want to confirm that you’re not late—before a meeting, a train departure, a deadline, or any situation where punctuality matters.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Onestdanslestemps
On (pronoun)
Informal indefinite pronoun that usually means 'we' in spoken French, especially in casual contexts.
est (être)
Third‑person singular present of the verb 'être' (to be).
dans (preposition)
Means 'in' or 'within' and introduces a time or space frame.
les (definite article)
Plural definite article used before a plural noun.
temps (noun)
Literally 'time', but in the set phrase 'dans les temps' it means 'on schedule' or 'within the allotted time'.
🗨In Conversation
On est dans les temps pour le train ?
Are we on time for the train?
Oui, il part dans cinq minutes, on est dans les temps.
Yes, it leaves in five minutes, we’re on time.
✕Common Mistakes
On est dans le temps.
‘Dans le temps’ means ‘in the past’ or ‘in time (as a concept)’, not ‘on schedule’. Use the plural article ‘les’ for the idiom.
On est à les temps.
The preposition ‘à’ does not collocate with ‘les temps’ in this expression. The correct phrase is ‘dans les temps’ or simply ‘à l'heure’.
On est dans les temps‑là.
Adding ‘‑là’ changes the meaning to ‘in those times (referring to a period)’, which is not the intended idiom.
↔Alternatives
Nous sommes à l'heure.
We are on time.
On est à l'heure.
We’re on time.
Nous respectons le planning.
We are keeping to the schedule.
Cultural Tip
Punctuality is highly valued in French professional and social life. While "à l'heure" is the most common way to say you’re on time, "dans les temps" sounds a bit more informal and is often used in spoken French among friends or colleagues. Avoid using it in very formal written contexts; stick with "être à l'heure" there.