demande
/də.mɑ̃d/
The English phrase 'demand' can be translated into French as demande, which is the third-person singular present indicative form of the verb demander.
The verb demander is used to express the act of requesting something forcefully. It is also used as a noun to refer to the desire to purchase goods and services, or in economics to describe the amount a consumer is willing to buy at a particular price.
Meaning: to request forcefully (verb)
Which one should you use?
In English, 'to ask' and 'to demand' are distinct concepts, but in French, the verb demander is used for both simple requests and forceful demands.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The infinitive form for 'to demand' is demander. The form demande is the third-person singular present indicative of this verb.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 2 syllables and is pronounced /də.mɑ̃d/.
Did you know?
- In French, you do not 'ask' a question using demander, but instead use poser une question, which literally means 'to pose a question'.
- If you want to sound much more forceful than demander allows, French speakers often turn to the verb exiger, which carries the heavy weight of a command.
- The English word 'demand' is a direct descendant of the Old French word demande.
Examples in context
- La demande est énorme.The demand is huge.This sentence is useful for describing the scale of demand using demande.Tatoeba #10090559 by Cronos87, translation #1526299 by Spamster
- La demande crée l'offre.Demand creates supply.This sentence illustrates the economic relationship between demand and supply using demande.Tatoeba #1086908 by sacredceltic, translation #2929866 by mervert1
- Le prix reflète la demande.The price reflects the demand.This sentence shows how price relates to demand using demande.Tatoeba #1073480 by sacredceltic, translation #24420 by CK
- J'exige une réponse immédiate.I demand an immediate answer.
- Je réclame une compensation pour le préjudice subi.I demand compensation for the damages suffered.
- Je réclame une augmentation de salaire !I demand a salary raise!
- J'exige que tu viennes immédiatement.I demand that you come immediately.
- 33 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Léa and Hugo are arguing about a late payment.
- LéaJe demande un remboursement immédiat.I demand an immediate refund.
- HugoS'il vous plaît, soyez patiente.Please, be patient.
- LéaNon, je demande des explications maintenant.No, I demand explanations now.
- HugoJe vais régler ça, Léa.I will settle this, Léa.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry demande, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries demande, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
