Je suis étudiant
The English phrase "i am a student" is translated into French as Je suis étudiant.
Note that étudiant specifically refers to a student in higher education (university/college), whereas élève is used for primary or secondary school students.
How does it change in a sentence?
If the speaker is female, the noun must take the feminine form étudiante. Additionally, when stating one's profession or status with the verb être, the indefinite article un or une is typically omitted, unlike in English.
Did you know?
- The word suis can be a source of confusion for beginners because it is identical to the first-person singular of the verb 'suivre', which means 'to follow'.
- In France, a university student is often identified by their carte d'étudiant. This card is not just for ID but is a vital tool for accessing heavily subsidized 'CROUS' cafeterias and student discounts.
- While étudiant is for university, a person in a specialized vocational school might call themselves an apprenti. This marks a legal and social distinction in the French education system that English does not typically make.
Examples in context
- Je suis étudiant, mais lui, non.I am a student, but he isn't.This sentence is useful for showing a contrast between yourself and someone else using Je suis étudiant.Tatoeba #1344999 by sacredceltic, translation #256687 by CK
- Je suis étudiant à l'université d'Oxford.I am a student at Oxford University.This sentence is useful for specifying the institution where you are a student using Je suis étudiant.Tatoeba #13853 by Aiji, translation #29028 by CK
- Je suis étudiant.I am a student.This sentence is a simple way to state your status using Je suis étudiant.Tatoeba #6692 by U2FS, translation #252287 by CK
- Je suis étudiant(e) en histoire de l'art.I am a student of art history.
- Je suis un élève en première année.I am a student in the first year.
- Je suis étudiant(e) en psychologie.I am a student of psychology.
- Je suis étudiant(e) au gymnase.I am a student at the gymnase.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two people meeting for the first time at a cafe.
- ChloéBonjour, je m'appelle Chloé. Et toi ?Hello, my name is Chloé. And you?
- HugoMoi c'est Hugo. Je suis étudiant ici.I'm Hugo. I am a student here.
- ChloéC'est super ! Qu'est-ce que tu étudies ?That's great! What are you studying?
- HugoJ'étudie le droit et l'histoire.I study law and history.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
