j'ai froid
The English phrase "I am cold" is translated into French as j'ai froid.
Used to say that you feel a low temperature and are uncomfortable.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase j'ai froid literally translates to "I have cold". This is because French uses the verb avoir (to have) to express physical sensations such as cold, hunger or thirst.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly say je suis froid instead of j'ai froid. In French, je suis froid would imply your skin is cold to the touch or you have a cold personality.
Did you know?
- In French, je suis froid can also mean that your skin is physically cold to the touch, such as if you were a corpse.
- The word froid traces its roots back to the Latin 'frīgidus', which is the source of the English word 'fridge' via the concept of keeping things cold.
- While j'ai froid describes your feeling, you can say il fait froid to describe the weather. The word fait means 'does' or 'makes', implying that the atmosphere is actively creating the cold.
Examples in context
- Je pense que j'ai froid.I think I am cold.This sentence is useful for expressing a thought about feeling cold using j'ai froid.Tatoeba #487173 by adjusting, translation #436987 by lukaszpp
- J'ai froid.I am cold.This sentence is a direct way to state that you feel cold using j'ai froid.Tatoeba #469786 by mamat, translation #436325 by lukaszpp
- J'ai froid, pourriez-vous fermer la fenêtre s'il vous plaît ?I am cold, could you please close the window?
- Je gèle ici, allons boire un chocolat chaud pour nous réchauffer.I'm freezing here, let's go have a hot chocolate to warm up.
- J'ai froid sans mon manteau.I am cold without my coat.
Example conversation
Emma and Gabriel are sitting in a living room.
- EmmaGabriel, j'ai froid.Gabriel, I am cold.
- GabrielTu veux une couverture ?Do you want a blanket?
- EmmaOui, s'il te plaît.Yes, please.
- GabrielLa voici, Emma.Here it is, Emma.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries froid, j'ai, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
