How to use “être en train de” in French

If you’re an English speaker learning French, you’ve probably asked yourself this question:

How do you say “I am doing something right now” in French?

The expression “être en train de” is often the answer.
In this article, you’ll learn what it means, how to use it, and when NOT to use it.

What does “être en train de” mean?

“Être en train de” is used to talk about an action that is happening right now, at the moment of speaking.

👉 It’s similar to be + verb (-ing) in English.

Examples

• I am eating → Je suis en train de manger
• She is working → Elle est en train de travailler
• They are watching TV → Ils sont en train de regarder la télé

It emphasizes that the action is in progress.

How to form “être en train de”

The structure is very simple:

être (conjugated) + en train de + infinitive

Examples

• Je suis en train de lire
• Tu es en train de cuisiner
• Nous sommes en train de attendre

⚠️ The verb after de is always in the infinitive.

Is “être en train de” necessary?

👉 No. In French, the present tense alone is often enough.

Example

• Je mange
• Je suis en train de manger

Both are correct.

• Je mange → neutral present
• Je suis en train de manger → emphasis on right now

French does not use a progressive tense all the time like English does.

Common mistake made by English speakers

Many learners try to translate every -ing form using “être en train de” ❌

Incorrect

• ❌ Je suis en train de vivre à Paris depuis trois ans

Correct

• ✅ Je vis à Paris depuis trois ans

👉 “Être en train de” is NOT used for:

• permanent situations
• long-term states
• habits

Is “être en train de” used in spoken French?

Yes. It’s very common, natural and not too formal

Spoken examples

• Je ne peux pas, je suis en train de travailler.
• Attends, je suis en train de parler.

Tip for English speakers

Ask yourself this question:

Do I really need to insist on “right now”?

• Yes → use “être en train de”
• No → use the present tense

Quick summary

• ✔️ être en train de = action happening now
• ✔️ structure: être + en train de + infinitive
• ✔️ not always necessary
• ❌ not for permanent situations