Je suis de retour
The English phrase "I am back" is expressed in French as Je suis de retour.
Je suis de retour is used to announce that you have returned to a place after being away.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "I am of return".
Which one should you use?
Je suis de retour describes your current state of having arrived, whereas Je reviens describes the action of returning or implies you are currently in the process of coming back.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
In formal situations, you can use Me voici de retour for a slightly more emphatic way to indicate a return. In informal or casual settings, you might say Je suis là to mean "I'm back" or "I've arrived" or use the popular expression Me voilà ! among friends to mean "Here I am!"
Did you know?
- The English word 'ego' and the French word je share the same direct ancestor in the Classical Latin word 'egō̆'.
- French speakers use the present tense phrase Je reviens to mean 'I'll be right back', even though it literally translates to 'I am returning'.
- In casual French, Je suis là literally means 'I am there', yet it is the most common way to say 'I am back' or 'I am here'.
Examples in context
- Je suis de retour du boulot.I am back from work.This sentence is useful for showing how to use Je suis de retour when mentioning where you have returned from.Tatoeba #11763277 by Fenrir, translation #11763278 by Fenrir
- Je suis de retour et je suis très heureux/heureuse d'être de retour également.I am back, and I am very happy to be back as well.
- Salut ! Oui, je suis de retour parmi vous. Vous m'avez beaucoup manqué !Hi! Yes, I am back among you. I missed you all so much!
- Je suis de retour à la maison.I am back home.
- Enfin, je suis de retour !Finally, I am back!
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma arrives home from a long trip and greets Nathan.
- EmmaCoucou, Nathan ! Je suis de retour.Hey, Nathan! I am back.
- NathanTu m'as manqué, Emma.I missed you, Emma.
- EmmaLe voyage était très long.The trip was very long.
- NathanViens te reposer un peu.Come and rest a bit.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, je, retour, suis, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
