French Phrase
Non, pas encore.
Meaning
This is a very common French expression used to indicate that a specific action or event has not occurred up to the present moment. It combines the negative 'non' with the adverbial phrase 'pas encore' to suggest that while the answer is currently 'no', the situation might change in the future.
When to use
Use this phrase when someone asks if you have completed a task, reached a milestone, or experienced something that is expected to happen. It is appropriate for both casual conversations with friends and professional interactions.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Nonpasencore
Non
The basic negative response in French, used to answer closed questions.
Pas encore
A fixed phrase where 'pas' acts as the negation and 'encore' translates to 'yet' in this context.
🗨In Conversation
Tu as déjà mangé ?
Have you already eaten?
Non, pas encore.
No, not yet.
✕Common Mistakes
Non, non encore.
In French, 'not yet' must use the negative particle 'pas' rather than repeating 'non'.
Non, pas déjà.
'Pas déjà' means 'not already' and is used to express surprise that something happened so soon, which is the opposite of 'not yet'.
↔Alternatives
Pas encore.
Not yet.
Toujours pas.
Still not.
Cultural Tip
In French culture, responding with 'pas encore' is often seen as more positive or polite than a simple 'non' because it implies progress or an intention to complete the action. It is a useful 'softener' in social and professional settings to avoid sounding abrupt.