je suis chinois
The English phrase "I am chinese" is translated into French as je suis chinois.
This phrase is used to identify one's nationality or ethnic origin as Chinese.
Which one should you use?
In French, there is a distinction between using the word as an adjective and using it as a noun. When using the word as an adjective to describe yourself after the verb être, the word is not capitalized. However, if you are using it as a noun to refer to a person, such as in the phrase un Chinois (a Chinese person), it is capitalized.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the adjective changes based on the gender of the speaker. If the speaker is male, use the masculine form je suis chinois. If the speaker is female, the adjective must change to the feminine form je suis chinoise. Additionally, when describing oneself after the verb être, the nationality should not be capitalized.
Did you know?
- The word chinois is also the name for a kitchen strainer or sieve. This is because the shape of the tool resembles a traditional conical Asian hat.
- In French, the word chinoiserie refers to a style of art or ornament that imitates Chinese motifs, often in a whimsical way.
- While chinois describes the person, the term sinologie is used for the academic study of Chinese language and culture.
Examples in context
- Je suis Chinois et j'aime la Chine.I am Chinese and I love China.This sentence is useful for showing a connection between one's identity and a love for the country using je suis chinois.Tatoeba #13574626 by Adelpa, translation #12996328 by XZJqz
- Je suis Chinois.I am Chinese.This sentence is a simple way to state one's identity using je suis chinois.Tatoeba #335136 by Scott, translation #335138 by CN
- Je suis de nationalité chinoise, mais j'ai grandi en France.I am of Chinese nationality, but I grew up in France.
- Au fait, je suis chinois(e) aussi.By the way, I am Chinese too.
- Je suis chinois(e) d'origine, mais j'ai grandi en Belgique.I am of Chinese origin, but I grew up in Belgium.
- Je suis chinois, mais j'habite à Paris.I am Chinese, but I live in Paris.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hugo and Léa are meeting for the first time at a cultural exchange event.
- HugoEnchanté, je m'appelle Hugo.Nice to meet you, my name is Hugo.
- LéaMoi c'est Léa. Quelle est ta nationalité ?I'm Léa. What is your nationality?
- HugoJe suis chinois.I am Chinese.
- LéaC'est super, j'adore la culture chinoise !That's great, I love Chinese culture!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries chinois, je, suis, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
