je rêve
In French, "I am dreaming" is said as je rêve.
The phrase is used to describe the act of seeing images or stories in your mind while sleeping.
Which one should you use?
In English, there is a distinction between the simple present "I dream" and the continuous present "I am dreaming". Unlike English, French uses the same form je rêve for both meanings.
How does it change in a sentence?
The infinitive form of the verb is rêver.
Did you know?
- While je rêve describes the act of dreaming, French speakers use the expression je rêve as a sarcastic exclamation meaning 'I can't believe this' when they are shocked or annoyed by someone's behavior.
- The French word rêverie entered the English language to describe a state of being lost in one's thoughts, filling a gap where English had no single word for waking dreams.
- In French, the expression faire un rêve is used to describe the specific act of having a dream, whereas je rêve often describes the general state of dreaming.
Examples in context
- Puissé-je m'éveiller au sein du rêve et saisir le fait que je rêve afin que tous les êtres oniriques puissent également s'éveiller du cauchemar dans lequel sévissent la souffrance et la confusion illusoires.May I awaken within the dream and grasp the fact that I am dreaming so that all dream-like beings may likewise awaken from the nightmare of illusory suffering and confusion.Tatoeba #10683252 by Micsmithel, translation #2495447 by Keith
- Je rêve de mon futur voyage.I am dreaming of my future trip.
- Est-ce que je rêve ou est-ce la réalité ?Am I dreaming or is this reality?
Example conversation
Lucas is waking up from a nap and talking to Léa.
- LucasJe pense que je rêve encore.I think I am still dreaming.
- LéaNon, tu es réveillé, Lucas.No, you are awake, Lucas.
- LucasMais c'était si réel !But it felt so real!
- LéaC'est juste un rêve, Léa te rassure.It's just a dream, Léa reassures you.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
