je regarde
In French, "I am watching" is expressed as je regarde.
The phrase is used to say that you are currently looking at something, such as a television show or a movie.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the first-person singular pronoun je (I) and the conjugated verb regarder (to look at/to watch).
Which one should you use?
While regarder is used for watching something with your eyes, it is distinct from voir (to see), which refers to the perception of sight rather than the intentional act of watching.
How does it change in a sentence?
French does not have a separate continuous aspect like the English "am watching" and uses the simple present to express both "I watch" and "I am watching".
Did you know?
- While je regarde is the standard way to say 'I am watching', French speakers often use the phrase je mate in very casual slang. This comes from the verb mater, which can also mean 'to check someone out' or 'to stare'.
- The verb regarder is derived from the word garde, meaning 'guard' or 'watch'. This connects the modern act of watching television to the ancient act of standing guard.
- The word je traces its lineage back to the Classical Latin 'egō̆', which is the source of the English word 'ego'.
Examples in context
- Je regarde la télévision.I am watching television.This sentence is useful for saying you are watching television with je regarde.Tatoeba #4274115 by michelnialon, translation #4384881 by CC
- Je regarde les oiseaux sauvages.I am watching wild birds.This sentence is useful for saying you are watching wild birds with je regarde.Tatoeba #3106249 by vermillon, translation #324132 by CM
- Je regarde des séries turques sous-titrées tous les soirs.I am watching Turkish series with subtitles every night.This sentence is useful for saying you are watching Turkish series with subtitles every night with je regarde.Tatoeba #13800320 by carlosalberto, translation #13800303 by carlosalberto
- Lors de la réunion, je suis en train de regarder le diaporama.During the meeting, I am watching the slideshow.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Manon calls Lucas on the phone to see what he is doing.
- ManonQu'est-ce que tu fais, Lucas ?What are you doing, Lucas?
- LucasJe regarde un film d'action.I am watching an action movie.
- ManonC'est un bon film ?Is it a good movie?
- LucasOui, il est très intéressant.Yes, it is very interesting.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries je, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
