Which one should you use?
While English distinguishes between "I wear" and "I am wearing," French uses je porte for both habitual actions and current states of dress.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
If you want to be more formal when referring to a specific outfit, you can use Je suis vêtu de to mean "I am dressed in" or "I am wearing." Another variation, J'arbore, is used specifically when you want to convey a sense of pride or to show off what you are wearing.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase je porte covers both the simple present and the continuous present. Unlike English, French does not use a separate continuous form to describe the current state of what you are wearing.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid the common error of trying to translate the English continuous form literally as je suis portant. This is grammatically incorrect in French for this context.
Did you know?
- If you need to tell the police you want to press charges, you use the phrase porter plainte, which literally translates to 'carrying a complaint'.
- The word porte is related to the English word 'portal' because both come from an ancient root meaning 'to pass through'.
- The verb porter is used not only for clothes but also for the act of carrying a child or a heavy object in your arms.
Examples in context
- Je porte mes bijoux en argent.I am wearing my silver jewelry.This sentence is useful for using the form je porte with jewelry.Tatoeba #12148399 by always, translation #1728114 by Amastan
- Je porte un costume noir pour la réunion.I am wearing a black suit for the meeting.
- Je me rends à la soirée et j'arbore une magnifique robe rouge.I am going to the party and I am wearing a gorgeous red dress.
- Je suis habillé en short et en débardeur pour la plage.I am dressed in shorts and a tank top for the beach.
- Je porte une chemise à carreaux aujourd'hui.I am wearing a plaid shirt today.
- Je suis en tenue de soirée pour la fête.I am dressed in evening wear for the party.
- Je porte une robe bleue.I am wearing a blue dress.
- Je porte de nouvelles chaussures.I am wearing new shoes.
Example conversation
Emma and Nathan are getting ready for a party.
- EmmaJe porte ma tenue préférée ce soir.I am wearing my favorite outfit tonight.
- NathanTu es très élégante, Emma.You are very elegant, Emma.
- EmmaMerci ! Et toi, qu'est-ce que tu portes ?Thanks! And you, what are you wearing?
- NathanJe porte un jean et une chemise.I am wearing jeans and a shirt.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries je, porte, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
