French grammar explained
Encore vs toujours in French: still, again or always?
Both encore and toujours can translate as “still,” but they are not interchangeable in every sentence. The useful question is not “Which French word means still?” It is “Am I describing continuation, repetition, or a lasting habit?”
The core difference between encore and toujours
| Meaning | Usual French word | Example |
|---|---|---|
| again / one more time | encore | Répète encore. — Say it again. |
| more / another | encore | Encore un café. — Another coffee. |
| always / every time | toujours | Il arrive toujours tôt. — He always arrives early. |
| still / continuing now | encore or toujours | Elle travaille encore / toujours. — She is still working. |
English groups several ideas under “still.” French makes the speaker choose a perspective. Encore often looks at an action continuing beyond a point or happening one more time. Toujours presents something as stable, habitual or still valid.
When should you use encore?
Use encore for “again”
Can you say that again?
He forgot his keys again.
Depending on tone, this second example can express irritation: the same problem has happened one more time.
Use encore for “more” or “another”
Would you like some more bread?
I have one more question.
When should you use toujours?
Use toujours for “always”
We always eat together on Fridays.
Here, toujours describes a repeated habit. Encore would change the meaning to “again” or “still.”
Use toujours for a fact that remains valid
Do you still live in Lyon?
The question checks whether an earlier fact is still true. This use of toujours is extremely common in everyday French.
Can both words mean “still”?
Yes. In many affirmative sentences, both words are grammatically possible.
She is still working. The continuation feels noticeable, possibly longer than expected.
She is still working. Her working status remains true.
The difference is a nuance, not an absolute rule. Context and intonation matter. If the speaker simply checks whether a stable situation continues—living somewhere, having the same job, being married—toujours is often natural. If the speaker notices that an action has not ended, encore is often preferred.
What happens in negative sentences?
For “not anymore” or “no longer,” use ne… plus, not a negative form of encore or toujours.
I no longer live in Paris. / I don’t live in Paris anymore.
For “not yet,” use ne… pas encore.
The class has not started yet.
In everyday speech, French speakers often drop ne: Le cours a pas encore commencé. This is common orally, but keep the full form in careful writing.
Mini practice: choose encore, toujours or plus
- Tu travailles ______ dans la même entreprise ?
- J’aimerais ______ un peu de thé, s’il vous plaît.
- Elle a ______ perdu son téléphone !
- Nous allons ______ au marché le samedi.
- Il n’est pas ______ arrivé.
- Je ne prends ______ le bus depuis que j’ai un vélo.
See the answers
- toujours — checking whether the same situation remains true.
- encore — some more tea.
- encore — she lost it again.
- toujours — a regular habit.
- encore — pas encore means “not yet.”
- plus — ne… plus means “no longer.”
Final recap
Use encore for repetition, an additional quantity and many continuing actions. Use toujours for “always,” regular habits and facts that remain valid. When both can mean “still,” choose the perspective that matches your message: a continuation that is noticeable, or a situation that remains true.
Turn clear grammar into French you can use
Planète Français combines structured explanations, active practice and real interaction so that grammar becomes available when you speak.
Practise with feedback
Speak in small groups with native teachers and a maximum of four learners.
See live classesExplore clear guides
Continue with practical grammar explanations for adult learners.
Visit French grammarLatest articles
How to Follow French Group Conversations More Easily
Group conversations demand more than vocabulary. Learn how to track the topic, ask precise questions and enter fast French exchanges with confidence.
Parce Que vs Car vs Puisque: How to Choose in French
Parce que, car and puisque can all introduce a reason, but they organise information differently. Learn which connector sounds natural in each context.
Quel vs Lequel in French: How to Choose the Right One
Use quel before a noun and lequel when the noun is already understood. Learn all the forms, the contractions with à and de, and the mistakes to avoid.