Je m'ennuie
The English phrase 'I am bored' is translated into French as Je m'ennuie.
This phrase is used to express that a person feels weary and restless because they have nothing to do. You might describe a situation as lassant if it is tedious.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase Je m'ennuie is a reflexive construction where the verb ennuyer (to bore) is used with the reflexive pronoun me to mean 'I bore myself'.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly say Je suis ennuyé to mean 'I am bored', but this actually means 'I am being annoyed' or 'I am troubled'.
Did you know?
- There is a distinction between s'ennuyer meaning 'to be bored' and s'ennuyer de quelqu'un, which means 'to miss someone'.
- The word ennui was borrowed directly into English in the 18th century to describe a specific type of sophisticated, world-weary boredom found in high society.
- The word ennui can also be used as a noun to describe a state of profound existential melancholy, a concept often explored in French literature.
Examples in context
- Je m'ennuie tellement que je n'en peux plus.I am bored out of my mind.This sentence is useful for expressing that you are bored out of your mind using Je m'ennuie.Tatoeba #3984910 by Scorpionvenin14, translation #679850 by ulyssemc1
- Je m'ennuie à en mourir.I am bored to death.This sentence is useful for expressing that you are bored to death using Je m'ennuie.Tatoeba #1156130 by belgavox, translation #275360 by CC
- Je m'ennuie.I am bored.This sentence is a simple way to say 'I am bored' using Je m'ennuie.Tatoeba #378891 by Amygdale, translation #1871567 by Asma
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gabriel and Emma are waiting at a train station.
- GabrielLe train est encore en retard, je m'ennuie.The train is late again, I am bored.
- EmmaMoi aussi. On peut lire un livre ?Me too. Can we read a book?
- GabrielOui, bonne idée, Gabriel.Yes, good idea, Gabriel.
- EmmaRegarde, le train arrive enfin !Look, the train is finally arriving!
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
