espérons que non
The English phrase 'hopefully not' is translated into French as espérons que non.
espérons que non is used as a standalone response to a question or a statement that implies a negative possibility.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is a literal combination of the verb espérer (to hope) in the first-person plural imperative and the conjunction que followed by non.
Which one should you use?
pourvu que non is a common alternative that expresses a similar sentiment of hoping a negative outcome is avoided.
Did you know?
- In French, you cannot simply say espérément non to mirror the English adverb 'hopefully'. Such a construction is considered an anglicism and is grammatically incorrect.
- The word non in this phrase is a direct descendant of the Latin 'non', which has remained remarkably unchanged in both spelling and function for two millennia.
- While espérons que non uses the first person plural, it does not always mean 'we'. It functions as a general expression of hope that can be used by a single person speaking alone.
Examples in context
- Tu penses que le match sera annulé ? J'espère pas, j'attends ça depuis longtemps !Do you think the game will be canceled? I hope not, I've been waiting for it for a long time!
Example conversation
Manon and Nathan are discussing a movie they are about to see.
- ManonEst-ce que la fin est triste, Nathan ?Is the ending sad, Nathan?
- NathanJe ne sais pas, mais espérons que non.I don't know, but hopefully not.
- ManonJ'ai horreur des films qui font pleurer.I hate movies that make you cry.
- NathanNe t'inquiète pas, Manon.Don't worry, Manon.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries non, que, CC BY-SA 4.0.
