à partir de

It is incredibly simple to plug into sentences. Just drop it before a noun or a time. Want to say "starting tomorrow"? Just say à partir de demain. If a sale starts at five euros, use à partir de cinq euros. Just remember that de might change to d' before a vowel. It also becomes des if the following word is plural. For example, à partir des vacances. It’s like a Lego brick. It fits almost anywhere you need a start date. You don't need fancy conjugations here. Just the phrase and your starting point.

Use it when you’re making plans with friends. "Let's meet starting from 7 PM" becomes à partir de 19h. It’s perfect for work deadlines or project starts. Use it when you’re talking about a physical journey. "Starting from Paris, the view is great." It’s the ultimate "launch" phrase for your daily life. You'll see it on shop windows during sales. You'll see it on menus for "starting prices." It’s great for setting boundaries with your time. "I'm available starting from noon." It keeps things professional yet accessible.

Don’t confuse it with depuis. This is a classic mistake. If you’ve been living in Paris for three years, use depuis. À partir de is about the *start*, not the *duration*. Also, don't use it for "out of" in a physical sense. If you are stepping out of a car, use sortir de. This phrase is for points on a map or calendar. It’s not for the physical act of leaving a room. Don't use it to mean "because of" either. That would be à cause de. Keep it focused on the "when" and "where" of beginnings.

The French love their schedules and clear boundaries. Whether it's the "soldes" (sales) or train timetables, precision is key. This phrase is the backbone of French organization. It’s not just a phrase. It’s a way to manage expectations. It tells you exactly when the party starts. It tells you when the bakery opens. In a culture that values "le rendez-vous," knowing the start time is vital. It reflects a society that appreciates structure. Even if they are sometimes late, the start time is the reference!

You might hear dès which is like a more urgent version. It means "as soon as." It’s like à partir de but with more caffeine. There’s also à compter de. This one sounds a bit more like a lawyer wrote it. You'll see it in contracts or official letters. If you’re feeling fancy, you can use those. But for 99% of your life, à partir de is your best friend. It’s the most natural way to speak. Stick with it and you'll sound like a local.