j'espère
The English phrase "hope so" is translated into French as j'espère.
The phrase is used to express a desire for a particular outcome to be true.
Which one should you use?
While j'espère alone means "I hope," the phrase j'espère que oui is the standard way to say "I hope so" when responding to a yes/no question. Conversely, if you wish to say "I hope not" in response to a question, use j'espère que non.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The phrase j'espère bien is colloquial and can mean "I certainly hope so" or, depending on the tone, "I'd better hope so."
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb used in these phrases is espérer. When introducing a clause, it is typically followed by the conjunction que, whereas in English one often omits "that" (for example, "I hope [that] it rains").
Did you know?
- In many French-speaking cultures, expressing a hope too strongly can be seen as 'attirer le mauvais œil' or attracting the evil eye. One might use a more cautious tone to avoid sounding like they are challenging fate.
- Unlike most French verbs of desire or emotion, espérer is followed by the indicative mood rather than the subjunctive when expressing a positive outcome. This is a rare grammatical exception for verbs of wanting.
- French has a specific word espoir for 'hope', but also espérance, which refers to a more profound, spiritual, or lifelong hope, often used in religious contexts.
Examples in context
- J'espère bien.I hope so.This sentence shows how to use j'espère to mean "I hope so."Tatoeba #181206 by Aiji, translation #51142 by CK
- « Est-ce qu'elle vient aussi ? » « J'espère bien. »"Is she coming, too?" "I hope so."This dialogue shows how to use j'espère to respond to a question.Tatoeba #11245873 by Micsmithel, translation #317551 by CK
- « Je me demande s'il a cessé de pleuvoir. » « J'espère que oui. »"I wonder if it's stopped raining." "I hope so."This dialogue shows how to use j'espère to express a hope regarding a yes/no situation.Tatoeba #11649938 by Aiji, translation #4744281 by CK
- J'espère que oui, j'ai vraiment besoin de cette promotion.I hope so, I really need this promotion.
- Je l'espère vraiment, ce serait génial!I really hope so, that would be great!
Example conversation
Léa and Gabriel are waiting for their exam results.
- LéaTu penses qu'on a réussi ?Do you think we passed?
- GabrielOui, j'espère.Yes, I hope so.
- LéaCe serait génial pour nous.That would be great for us.
- GabrielJ'espère vraiment que oui.I really hope so.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
