je vais à l'école
The English phrase "I am going to school" is translated into French as je vais à l'école.
This phrase is used to say that someone is traveling to a place of education.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "I go to the school".
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb vais is the first-person singular present tense of the verb aller (to go). In French, this single form covers both the simple present ("I go") and the continuous present ("I am going") used in English.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly say je vais à école, omitting the article. In French, you must include the definite article l' before école.
Did you know?
- The word école shares a root with the English word 'scholar', as both derive from the Greek word skholē, which originally meant 'leisure'.
- In France, the phrase je vais à l'école is used for primary and middle school, but high school students typically say je vais au lycée.
- While aller means 'to go', French speakers use it to express the immediate future, such as saying je vais manger to mean 'I am going to eat'.
Examples in context
- Je vais à l'école à pied.I am going to school on foot.
- Maintenant, je vais à l'école.Now, I am going to school.
- Je vais à l'école avec mon ami.I am going to school with my friend.
Example conversation
Two friends meeting in the morning before class.
- EmmaSalut Lucas, tu vas où ?Hi Lucas, where are you going?
- LucasJe vais à l'école, et toi Emma ?I am going to school, and you Emma?
- EmmaMoi aussi, je vais à l'école.Me too, I am going to school.
- LucasOn y va ensemble alors.Let's go there together then.
