jamais
/ʒa.mɛ/
The English phrase 'ever' is translated into French as jamais.
jamais is an adverb meaning 'at any time'. It is used in two primary ways: in interrogative sentences to mean 'ever' (such as 'Have you ever…?') and in negative constructions to mean 'never' or 'not ever'.
Meaning: at any time (adv)
Which one should you use?
In English, the words 'ever' and 'never' are distinct, with 'ever' typically appearing in questions and 'never' in negative statements. In French, jamais can serve both functions. Its meaning is determined by whether it is paired with the particle 'ne' or used in a question.
How does it change in a sentence?
In negative sentences, jamais is part of the 'ne … jamais' construction to mean 'never' or 'not ever'. In questions, it functions as 'ever'.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʒa.mɛ/
What mistakes should you avoid?
When using jamais in a negative sentence, remember that the formal construction requires the 'ne' particle. While 'ne' is frequently dropped in casual spoken French, omitting it in written or formal contexts is a mistake.
Did you know?
- The word jamais comes from the Latin words 'iam' and 'magis', which combined to mean 'any more' in Old French.
- While jamais means 'never' in negative sentences, it can be used in a positive sense to mean 'ever' or 'always' in certain poetic or emphatic contexts.
- The expression plus jamais is used to mean 'never again', adding a layer of finality that jamais alone might not convey.
Examples in context
- Ne revenez jamais !Don't you ever come back.This sentence uses jamais to express a command not to ever return.Tatoeba #2286579 by sacredceltic, translation #2285828 by CK
- Ne dis jamais cela.Don't ever say that.This sentence uses jamais to express a command not to ever say something.Tatoeba #4825971 by sicerabibax, translation #2270371 by CK
- L'as-tu jamais vue ?Have you ever seen her?This sentence uses jamais in a question to mean 'ever'.Tatoeba #1175594 by sacredceltic, translation #69424 by CH
- Avez-vous jamais été à Paris?Have you ever been to Paris?
- Avez-vous jamais réfléchi sur le sens de la vie?Did you ever wonder about the meaning of life?
- Je n'ai jamais vu un coucher de soleil aussi magnifique.I have never seen such a beautiful sunset.
- Avez-vous déjà rencontré une telle obstination?Have you ever encountered such stubbornness?
- Je me souviendrai toujours de ce moment.I'll always remember that moment.
- Avez-vous déjà essayé de surfer?Have you ever tried surfing?
- Avez-vous déjà vu un paysage aussi magnifique?Have you ever seen such a beautiful landscape?
- Avez-vous déjà ressenti une émotion aussi intense?Have you ever experienced such a strong emotion?
- Tu as déjà été dans ce restaurant?Have you ever been to this restaurant?
- Tu as déjà entendu cette chanson?Have you ever heard this song?
- Tu as déjà vu un film aussi drôle?Have you ever seen such a funny movie?
- 915 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Léa and Gabriel are talking about traveling.
- LéaAs-tu jamais visité le Japon, Gabriel ?Have you ever visited Japan, Gabriel?
- GabrielNon, je n'y suis jamais allé.No, I have never been there.
- LéaC'est un rêve que je veux réaliser.It is a dream I want to achieve.
- GabrielMoi aussi, j'aimerais y aller un jour.Me too, I would like to go there one day.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “ever” translations and entries jamais, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries jamais, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
