j'ai peur
The English phrase "I am scared" is translated into French as j'ai peur.
This phrase is a statement used to express that one feels fear or is frightened.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase j'ai peur literally translates to "I have fear".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In France, the informal expression Je flippe is used.
How does it change in a sentence?
To say you are scared of something, you must use the preposition de (or d' before a vowel) after the phrase, as in the construction avoir peur de.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly try to use the verb "être" (to be) to say je suis peur, but in French, you must use the verb "avoir" (to have).
Did you know?
- While j'ai peur is common, the slang term je flippe comes from the English word 'flip', as in 'flipping out' with anxiety.
- In certain French idioms, being 'scared' can be expressed through the word froussard, which is used to call someone a 'scaredy-cat'.
- French uses the verb 'avoir' (to have) for many physical and emotional states that English describes with 'to be', such as being hungry j'ai faim or being thirsty j'ai soif.
Examples in context
- J'ai peur des araignées.I am scared of spiders.This sentence is useful for learning how to express being scared of a specific thing using j'ai peur.Tatoeba #1181208 by sacredceltic, translation #5966430 by mailohilohi
- J'ai peur.I am scared.This sentence is useful for practicing the phrase j'ai peur on its own.Tatoeba #1111882 by alexmarcelo, translation #8748627 by fishda
- Excusez-moi, mais j'ai peur de prendre l'avion.Excuse me, but I am scared of flying.
- Je suis effrayé(e) par les histoires de fantômes.I am scared of ghost stories.
- Dans le noir, je ressens de la peur.In the dark, I feel scared.
- Quand le chien a aboyé, j'ai eu la frousse !When the dog barked, I got scared!
- J'ai la trouille des films d'horreur.I am scared of horror movies.
- Cette histoire me rend profondément effrayé(e).This story deeply scares me.
- Quand j'ai peur, mon cœur bat à toute vitesse.When I am scared, my heart beats rapidly.
- J'ai les jambes qui tremblent quand je suis effrayé(e).My legs shake when I am scared.
- Quand il y a des orages, je flippe complètement.When there are thunderstorms, I get really scared.
- En regardant un film d'horreur, je flippe ma vie.While watching a horror movie, I get really scared.
- J'ai peur de l'orage.I am scared of the storm.
Example conversation
Emma and Nathan are watching a scary movie in the living room.
- EmmaJ'ai peur de ce film.I am scared of this movie.
- NathanNe t'inquiète pas, Emma.Don't worry, Emma.
- EmmaMais j'ai peur tout de même.But I am scared nonetheless.
- NathanJe suis là avec toi.I am here with you.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
