French Phrase
Ça prend combien de temps, l'attente ?
Meaning
The sentence asks for the duration of a waiting period: 'How long does the wait take?' It is commonly used when you are in a queue or waiting for a service and want to know the expected time.
When to use
Use this phrase in any situation where you are waiting—restaurants, doctor's offices, ticket counters, or while traveling—and you need to know how much longer the wait will be. It is polite and neutral, suitable for both casual and semi‑formal contexts.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Çaprendcombiendetemps,l'attente?
Ça (demonstrative pronoun)
Used to refer to a situation or thing previously mentioned; translates to 'it' or 'that' in English.
Prendre (present)
The verb 'prendre' means 'to take' in the sense of duration; conjugated here as third‑person singular (prend) because the subject is 'ça'.
Combien de temps
A fixed expression meaning 'how long?' used to ask about the length of time something takes.
L'attente
The noun 'attente' means 'the wait' or 'waiting period'; the article contracts to l' before a vowel.
🗨In Conversation
Ça prend combien de temps, l'attente ?
How long is the wait?
Environ quinze minutes.
About fifteen minutes.
✕Common Mistakes
Ça prends combien de temps, l'attente ?
The verb should be conjugated in third‑person singular (prend) because the subject is 'ça', not first‑person singular.
Ça prend combien temps, l'attente ?
The preposition 'de' is required after 'combien' when asking about duration.
Ça prend combien de temps l'attente?
Avoid placing a question mark after the noun without the preceding pause; the correct punctuation is a comma before the noun and a question mark at the end.
↔Alternatives
C'est combien, l'attente ?
How much is the wait?
Quelle est la durée de l'attente ?
What is the duration of the wait?
On attend combien de temps ?
How long are we waiting?
Cultural Tip
In French-speaking countries, asking about waiting time with a neutral phrase like 'Ça prend combien de temps' is considered courteous. Directly demanding the time can sound rude. Also, note that 'l'attente' refers to the waiting period itself, not the thing you are waiting for, so the phrase works for queues, appointments, or even waiting for a train.