j'espère que tu comprends
The English phrase "hope you understand" can be translated into French as j'espère que tu comprends.
This phrase is used to express a wish that the listener comprehends a situation or a particular point of view.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is a literal construction where j'espère means "I hope" and que tu comprends means "that you understand".
Which one should you use?
The default form j'espère que tu comprends uses the informal tu and should only be used with friends, family or peers.
How does it change in a sentence?
Use the form j'espère que vous comprenez when addressing more than one person or when using the formal vous to show respect.
Did you know?
- While comprendre translates to 'understand', it is also used to mean 'include'. A French hotel room price might comprendre breakfast, meaning the cost includes the meal.
- In a professional setting, using the formal j'espère que vous comprenez can sometimes sound slightly patronizing or even passive-aggressive, depending on the tone of voice used.
- The word tu in this phrase is a direct relative of the German du and the Russian ты. These words all trace back to a single ancestor in the Proto-Indo-European language.
Examples in context
- J'espère que tu comprends cela.I hope you understand that.This sentence is useful for expressing the idea that you hope the listener understands a specific thing with the form j'espère que tu comprends.Tatoeba #5569201 by sacredceltic, translation #2650860 by meerkat
- J'espère que vous comprenez pourquoi cette décision est nécessaire.I hope you understand why this decision is necessary.
- J'espère que tu comprends pourquoi je dois partir plus tôt ce soir.I hope you understand why I have to leave early tonight.
- J'espère que tu comprends ma décision.I hope you understand my decision.
- J'espère que tu comprends pourquoi je suis en retard.I hope you understand why I am late.
Example conversation
Emma explains to Nathan why she cannot go to his party.
- EmmaJe ne peux vraiment pas venir ce soir.I really cannot come tonight.
- NathanC'est dommage, mais c'est ton choix.That is a shame, but it is your choice.
- EmmaJ'espère que tu comprends ma situation.I hope you understand my situation.
- NathanOui, ne t'inquiète pas, Emma.Yes, don't worry, Emma.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries que, tu, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
