je suis soûl
The English phrase "I am drunk" is translated into French as je suis soûl.
This phrase is used to state that one has consumed enough alcohol to be intoxicated.
Which one should you use?
Je suis ivre is a more formal or clinical way to express intoxication, whereas je suis bourré is a common informal way to say one is wasted or hammered. In certain circles, particularly in France, the informal expression J'suis déchiré(e) is also used to convey a state of drunkenness.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Je suis ivre is a formal expression. Je suis bourré and J'suis déchiré(e) are informal.
How does it change in a sentence?
If the speaker is female, the form changes to je suis soûle.
Did you know?
- The informal term déchiré literally translates to 'torn' or 'ripped', describing a person as if they are physically falling apart from the alcohol.
- The informal term bourré literally means 'stuffed' or 'filled up'. It shares the same root as the word for 'stuffing' a turkey or a pillow.
- The word soûl is a cognate of the English word 'sot', an old-fashioned term for a chronic drunkard.
Examples in context
- Je suis saoul comme une grive!I am drunk as a thrush!
- Je ne peux plus conduire, je suis soûl.I can't drive anymore, I am drunk.
- Est-ce que je suis soûl ?Am I drunk?
Example conversation
Gabriel and Léa are leaving a party.
- GabrielLéa, je suis soûl, aide-moi s'il te plaît.Léa, I am drunk, help me please.
- LéaC'est vrai, tu marches bizarrement, Gabriel.It's true, you are walking strangely, Gabriel.
- GabrielJe vais appeler un taxi tout de suite.I am going to call a taxi right away.
- LéaC'est une bonne idée, allons-y.That is a good idea, let's go.
