je suis prêt à
The English phrase "I am willing to" is expressed in French as je suis prêt à.
Used to say that you are prepared or agreeable to do something.
What does it mean word for word?
The word prêt literally means "ready", so the phrase je suis prêt à can be translated as "I am ready to".
Which one should you use?
je suis prêt à emphasizes readiness or being prepared, whereas je suis disposé à emphasizes a mental inclination or willingness.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, people often say Je serais bien heureux(se) de instead of Je serais ravi(e) de to express eagerness.
How does it change in a sentence?
If the speaker is female, the adjective prêt must change to the feminine form prête.
Did you know?
- The word prêt shares a common root with the Italian word presto, which is used in music to indicate a fast tempo.
- Depending on the context, the word prêt can be a homonym for the word for 'loan'. This means je suis prêt could be misinterpreted as 'I am a loan' if the context of readiness is missing.
Examples in context
- Je suis prêt à accepter la critique.I am willing to accept criticism.This sentence is useful for using je suis prêt à to express a willingness to accept something.Tatoeba #9730077 by lbdx, translation #7880681 by shekitten
- Je suis prêt à assister à la réunion.I am willing to attend the meeting.This sentence is useful for using je suis prêt à to express a willingness to attend an event.Tatoeba #6877174 by Micsmithel, translation #254259 by CC
- Je suis prêt à t'aider.I am willing to help you.
Example conversation
Chloé and Hugo are discussing a plan to clean the house.
- ChloéQui peut passer l'aspirateur aujourd'hui ?Who can vacuum today?
- HugoJe suis prêt à le faire maintenant.I am willing to do it now.
- ChloéMerci beaucoup, Hugo !Thank you very much, Hugo!
- HugoDe rien, Chloé.You're welcome, Chloé.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries je, prêt, suis, à, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
