Je suis triste
Je suis triste is the French way to say "I am sad".
This phrase is used to express that a person is feeling unhappy.
Which one should you use?
While Je suis triste (I am sad) describes a state of being, the alternative Je me sens triste (I feel sad) is used to place more emphasis on the internal sensation or emotion.
How does it change in a sentence?
To negate the phrase, place ne… pas around the verb suis to say Je ne suis pas triste (I am not sad).
Did you know?
- In French, if you are feeling 'blue' or slightly down, you might say you have le cafard, which literally translates to 'the cockroach'.
- The first-person singular form suis was influenced by the Latin word fuī, which meant 'I was'.
- While Je suis triste is common, French speakers often express deep sorrow using the phrase j'ai le cœur brisé, meaning 'I have a broken heart'.
Examples in context
- Je suis triste, car mon chat est mort.I am sad because my cat died.This sentence shows how to express sadness due to the loss of a pet using Je suis triste.Tatoeba #6104127 by christian63, translation #10553922 by catimini
- Je suis triste de ne pouvoir apprendre toutes les langues du monde.I am sad since I can not learn all world languages.This sentence illustrates expressing sadness over an impossibility using Je suis triste.Tatoeba #8354913 by belkacem77, translation #8354918 by belkacem77
- L'équipe allemande a perdu et maintenant moi je suis triste.The German team lost and now I am sad.This sentence shows how to express sadness following a loss in a competition using Je suis triste.Tatoeba #421399 by Pharamp, translation #425592 by FeuDRenais
- Je suis triste en ce moment.I am sad at the moment.
Example conversation
Gabriel and Léa are talking about a movie they just watched.
- GabrielC'était un film très émouvant.It was a very moving movie.
- LéaOui, je suis triste pour le personnage principal.Yes, I am sad for the main character.
- GabrielMoi aussi, la fin était terrible.Me too, the ending was terrible.
- LéaOn devrait regarder quelque chose de joyeux.We should watch something cheerful.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries je, suis, triste, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
