Je regarde la télé
The English phrase 'I am watching tv' is translated into French as Je regarde la télé.
In French, the verb regarder is used for the act of watching or looking at something. This is more appropriate for programs than using voir (to see). To specifically emphasize that you are currently in the middle of the action, you can say Je suis en train de regarder la télévision, which means 'I am currently watching TV'.
Which one should you use?
You can use the full form Je regarde la télévision for a more formal or complete expression, whereas the shortened Je regarde la télé is more common. For an informal way to say you are in front of the television, you might hear Je suis devant le poste.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The term la télé is an informal shortening of la télévision.
How does it change in a sentence?
French does not have a separate continuous aspect like the English 'am watching' for this context. The simple present Je regarde covers both 'I watch' and 'I am watching'.
Did you know?
- In France, the act of watching TV is often associated with the term le petit écran, meaning 'the small screen', to contrast it with the 'big screen' of the cinema.
- The word télé is used in many other languages, including Spanish and Italian, because the root comes from the Greek word tēle, meaning 'far off'.
- The feminine article la in la télé actually descends from the Latin word illam, which was a demonstrative pronoun used to point out a specific person or thing.
Examples in context
- Je regarde la télévision.I am watching TV.This sentence is useful for saying 'I am watching TV.' using the form Je regarde la télé.Tatoeba #4274115 by michelnialon, translation #6983348 by aln
- Quoi de neuf?
– Rien, je suis devant le poste.What's up?
– Nothing, I am in front of the television. - Que faites-vous?
– Je suis en train de regarder la télévision.What are you doing?
– I am currently watching TV. - Puis-je vous déranger?
– Non, je regarde la télévision.May I disturb you?
– No, I am watching TV. - Je regarde la télé tous les soirs.I watch TV every evening.
- Désolé, je regarde la télé en ce moment.Sorry, I am watching TV right now.
Example conversation
Lucas is at home and Chloé calls him to see if he wants to go out.
- LucasSalut Chloé, tu fais quoi ?Hi Chloé, what are you doing?
- ChloéRien de spécial, et toi ?Nothing special, and you?
- LucasJe regarde la télé tranquillement.I am watching TV quietly.
- ChloéD'accord, on se voit plus tard alors.Okay, see you later then.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries je, la, télé, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
