je suis absent
In French, "I am absent" is expressed as je suis absent.
The phrase is a statement used to say that a person is not present in a place where they are expected to be.
Which one should you use?
The form je suis absent is used by males, whereas je suis absente is used by females. For more casual ways to say you are not in a location, you might use Je suis pas là. (I'm not here) or Je ne vais pas être là. (I'm not going to be there).
How does it change in a sentence?
If the person speaking is female, the adjective must take an 'e' at the end: je suis absente.
Did you know?
- In French, if you use the phrase to describe a mental state rather than physical presence, it can imply that you are 'absent-minded' or 'distrait', meaning you are not paying attention.
- While English speakers use the word 'absent' for both people and things, French often prefers manquant when an object is missing from a set.
- In French schools, the process of calling out names to see who is absent is called faire l'appel.
Examples in context
- Je suis absent(e) car j'ai un rendez-vous médical.I am absent because I have a medical appointment.
- Je suis absent(e) jusqu'à lundi.I am absent until Monday.
- Je suis absent de la réunion.I am absent from the meeting.
- Si je suis absent, appelez-moi.If I am absent, call me.
Example conversation
Nathan is emailing his teacher, Léa, to explain his absence.
- NathanBonjour Léa, je suis absent ce matin.Hello Léa, I am absent this morning.
- LéaC'est noté, Nathan. Pourquoi es-tu absent ?It's noted, Nathan. Why are you absent?
- NathanJe suis malade aujourd'hui.I am sick today.
- LéaJe comprends. Repose-toi bien !I understand. Get some rest!
