je suis assez grand
The English phrase "I am quite tall" is translated into French as je suis assez grand.
This phrase is a statement used to describe oneself as having a height that is above average.
What does it mean word for word?
The word assez literally means "enough" and is used here to mean "quite" or "rather". The adjective grand can mean both "tall" and "big" depending on the context.
Which one should you use?
While je suis assez grand implies a moderate degree of height, the phrase je suis très grand is used to express a higher degree, meaning "I am very tall".
Did you know?
- While grand means 'tall' when describing a person, using it to describe a person's character or heart can mean they are 'generous' or 'noble'.
- If you describe a child as grand, you might be saying they are mature or 'grown up' rather than just physically tall.
- The word assez is built from the Latin 'ad satis', meaning 'to enough', making the phrase literally translate to 'I am enough tall'.
Examples in context
- Je suis assez grand(e), mais mon frère est encore plus grand que moi.I am quite tall, but my brother is even taller than me.
- Je suis plutôt grande, c'est souvent utile pour attraper des choses en hauteur.I am rather tall, it often comes in handy to reach high things.
- Je suis assez grand pour mon âge.I am quite tall for my age.
- Je suis assez grand, donc j'aime le basket.I am quite tall, so I like basketball.
Example conversation
Gabriel and Léa are discussing their heights.
- GabrielEst-ce que tu es grand, Gabriel ?Are you tall, Gabriel?
- LéaOui, je suis assez grand.Yes, I am quite tall.
- GabrielC'est vrai, tu me dépasses !That's true, you are taller than me!
- LéaC'est normal, je suis très élancé.It's normal, I am very slender.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries assez, grand, je, suis, CC BY-SA 4.0.
