deviner
/də.vi.ne/
The English phrase "guessing" can be translated into French using deviner.
The primary way to express the concept of guessing is through the verb deviner. If you are referring to a riddle or a guessing game, the noun devinette is used.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word deviner is an infinitive verb meaning to guess.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of deviner is /də.vi.ne/ and it consists of 3 syllables.
Did you know?
- In French, the phrase je devine is often used as a sarcastic response when someone tells you something obvious, similar to saying 'I can imagine' or 'I figured as much'.
- The verb deviner shares a common ancestor with the English word 'divine', meaning to discover something through supernatural or intuitive insight.
- While deviner means 'to guess', a devin is a prophet or a soothsayer. This suggests a cultural connection between the act of guessing and the ability to see the future.
Examples in context
- J'arrive de mieux en mieux à deviner l'âge des gens.I'm gradually getting better at guessing people's ages.This sentence demonstrates using deviner to describe the ability to guess ages.Tatoeba #6821752 by Yemana, translation #6656040 by CK
- Laisse Tom deviner.Keep Tom guessing.This sentence shows how to use deviner in the context of keeping someone guessing.Tatoeba #9254350 by Micsmithel, translation #2235844 by CK
- Je suppose que la réunion se tiendra à 15 heures.I suppose the meeting will take place at 3 p.m.
- Je présume qu'il fera beau ce week-end.I presume it will be nice weather this weekend.
- Je suppose que le taux de chômage diminuera dans les mois à venir.I suppose the unemployment rate will decrease in the coming months.
- Je pense qu'on aura du soleil demain.I think we'll have sunshine tomorrow.
- J'imagine qu'elle sera en retard encore une fois.I guess she'll be late again.
- Tu peux deviner ce qu'il y a dans la boîte ?Can you guess what is in the box?
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Manon is showing Gabriel a wrapped present.
- ManonRegarde ce cadeau ! Tu peux deviner ?Look at this gift! Can you guess?
- GabrielC'est difficile. Est-ce que c'est un livre ?It's hard. Is it a book?
- ManonNon, ce n'est pas ça.No, it's not that.
- GabrielJe vais essayer de deviner encore une fois.I will try to guess one more time.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry deviner, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries deviner, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
