French · Real conversations
Ask for more time naturally in French
A request for more time is easier to answer when it is specific. Ask briefly, propose a new deadline, or explain how much time is needed for a particular task.
Three ways to say it
Pourrais-je avoir un peu plus de temps ?
Could I have a little more time?
Request a little more time when the exact extension is still being discussed.
Pourrait-on repousser la date limite à lundi ?
Could we move the deadline to Monday?
Propose a concrete replacement deadline.
Il me faut un jour de plus pour vérifier les détails.
I need another day to check the details.
Explain the amount of extra time and what it will allow you to check.
Avoid translating word by word
English 'move the deadline' means change the agreed completion date, not move a line on the ground. Use the target-language scheduling construction, including the preposition used with the new day.
See the difference in context
Being asked to finish immediately
Tu peux finir ça maintenant ?
Can you finish this now?
Pourrais-je avoir un peu plus de temps ?
Could I have a little more time?
Requesting a later report deadline
Le rapport est à rendre vendredi.
The report is due on Friday.
Pourrait-on repousser la date limite à lundi ?
Could we move the deadline to Monday?
Your turn
Explain that you need another day to check the details. Give both the duration and the reason.
Reveal a sample reply
Il me faut un jour de plus pour vérifier les détails.
I need another day to check the details.
This speaking goal in other languages
A note on speaking French
Use vous with strangers, staff, and people you address formally; use tu when that relationship is established. Je voudrais and pourriez-vous can make a request considerate. The most appropriate choice depends on the person and the situation.
Keep accents and apostrophes. A familiar spoken expression may differ from its literal English translation. Read the complete line, including the pronoun and the words that connect the request.
