French Phrase
Ce billet est valable combien de temps ?
Meaning
The sentence asks for the length of time a ticket remains valid. It is a polite, neutral way to inquire about the expiration or usage period of a ticket, pass, or voucher.
When to use
Use this question at train stations, airports, museums, concerts, or any place where you receive a ticket and need to know how long you can use it. It works equally well in formal settings (e.g., speaking to a clerk) and informal conversations with fellow travelers.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Cebilletestvalablecombiendetemps?
Demonstrative adjective (Ce)
Ce introduces a masculine singular noun and means 'this' or 'that'.
Verb être (est)
Est is the third‑person singular present of être, used here as a linking verb.
Adjective valable
Valable means 'valid' or 'usable'; it agrees in gender and number with the noun.
Interrogative phrase combien de temps
Literally 'how much of time', it asks for a duration. It is placed after the verb in formal questions.
Question mark punctuation
In French, the question ends with a single question mark; the opening question mark (¿) is not used.
🗨In Conversation
Ce billet est valable combien de temps ?
How long is this ticket valid?
Il est valable pendant deux heures.
It is valid for two hours.
✕Common Mistakes
Ce billet est valable combien temps ?
The preposition ‘de’ is required after ‘combien’ when asking about duration.
Ce billet est valable pendant combien de temps ?
While grammatically possible, the construction ‘est valable combien de temps’ is more natural in spoken French.
Ce billet valable combien de temps ?
The verb ‘être’ must be present: ‘est’ is needed to link the subject and adjective.
↔Alternatives
Ce ticket est valable jusqu'à quand ?
Until when is this ticket valid?
Quelle est la durée de validité de ce billet ?
What is the validity period of this ticket?
Ce billet reste valable pendant combien de temps ?
For how long does this ticket remain valid?
Cultural Tip
In France, many tickets display the expiration date or time directly on the paper, but it’s still courteous to ask the staff if you’re unsure. Using the formal structure ‘Ce billet est valable combien de temps ?’ shows politeness and clarity, especially in customer‑service contexts. Avoid overly casual phrasing with friends, where you might simply say ‘C’est bon pour combien de temps ?’.