j'essaie
In French, "I am trying" is expressed as j'essaie.
This phrase is used to express that you are making an effort to do something. In English, you might distinguish between "I try" and "I am trying", but in French, j'essaie covers both the simple present and the present continuous.
Which one should you use?
The spelling j'essaye is an alternative correct spelling of j'essaie.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using the verb to say "I am trying to [do something]", you must use the form j'essaie de before an infinitive verb.
Did you know?
- The verb essayer also means 'to try on' when referring to clothes or shoes. In this context, it does not describe a mental effort but a physical action of testing a garment for fit.
- In very formal or literary French, you might encounter the word essais, which refers to a specific genre of writing known as 'essays'.
- French has a specific word tâtonner for the kind of 'trying' that involves fumbling in the dark or guessing through trial and error.
Examples in context
- J'essaie de te rendre service.I am trying to do you a favor.This sentence shows how to use j'essaie to express an intention to help someone.Tatoeba #12911441 by lbdx, translation #2607265 by MarlonX19
- J'essaie de conquérir son cœur.I am trying to conquer his heart.This sentence demonstrates using j'essaie in a romantic context.Tatoeba #6465582 by lapinhibou, translation #7798541 by sharris123
- J'essaie de poser mes questions en français.I am trying to ask my questions in French.This sentence illustrates using j'essaie to describe the effort of speaking a language.Tatoeba #447499 by sysko, translation #1837221 by Amastan
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas is struggling to open a jar in the kitchen.
- LucasJe n'y arrive pas, j'essaie mais c'est coincé.I can't do it, I'm trying but it's stuck.
- ChloéLaisse-moi faire, Lucas.Let me do it, Lucas.
- LucasNon, j'essaie encore une fois.No, I'm trying one more time.
- ChloéTu vas casser le bocal !You're going to break the jar!
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
