je suis un chat
The English phrase "I am a cat" is translated into French as je suis un chat.
This phrase is a statement used to declare that the speaker is a cat. Using je suis un chat indicates that the speaker is a male cat.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase breaks down literally as je (I), suis (am), un (a) and chat (cat).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Québec French, a variation used is Moé, j'suis un chat, là.
Did you know?
- While chat means 'cat', the French phrase avoir un chat dans la gorge literally means 'to have a cat in the throat' and is used to describe having a hoarse voice.
- The phrase je suis un chat uses the verb suis, which in other contexts can mean 'I follow', as in the verb suivre.
- The word je evolved from the Latin egō̆, which is the root of the English word 'ego'.
Examples in context
- Je suis un chat.I am a cat.This sentence shows the basic use of je suis un chat.Tatoeba #2068378 by Aiji, translation #2068388 by shekitten
- Je suis un chat. Je n'ai pas encore de nom.I am a cat. I don't have a name yet.This sentence shows how to use je suis un chat alongside a statement about not having a name yet.Tatoeba #390044 by Scott, translation #390043 by Scott
- Je suis un chat, pas un chien.I am a cat, not a dog.
Example conversation
A child is playing a role-playing game with her brother.
- EmmaRegarde, je suis un chat !Look, I am a cat!
- NathanEt moi, je suis un lion.And me, I am a lion.
- EmmaTu es un lion très grand.You are a very big lion.
- NathanC'est vrai, je suis fort.It's true, I am strong.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries chat, je, suis, un, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
