je suis formidable
The English phrase "I am wonderful" can be translated to French as je suis formidable.
je suis formidable is a statement used to say that one is doing very well or feeling great. However, be aware that in French, je suis formidable can sound slightly boastful or even arrogant if used to describe your personality, whereas in English 'I am wonderful' is often used more casually to describe one's mood.
Which one should you use?
While je suis formidable describes your character or state of being, je vais merveilleusement bien is a more natural way to say you are doing wonderfully well in response to 'how are you?' Other informal ways to express being in a great state include Je suis génial(e). (I am awesome), Je suis au top. (I am on top), Je suis super. (I am great), or Je suis au septième ciel. (I am on cloud nine).
Did you know?
- The word formidable shares the same Latin root as the English word 'formidable', but in French, it has evolved to mean 'great' or 'wonderful' instead of 'inspiring fear'.
- To express an extreme state of happiness, French speakers use Je suis au septième ciel, which translates literally to 'I am in the seventh heaven'.
- To say 'I am on top' (Je suis au top), French speakers use the English word 'top' as a loanword to describe being in peak physical or mental condition.
Example conversation
Two friends meet for coffee in a cafe.
- ManonSalut Nathan ! Comment vas-tu ?Hi Nathan! How are you doing?
- NathanÇa va très bien, et toi ?I'm doing very well, and you?
- ManonJe suis formidable, merci !I am wonderful, thank you!
- NathanC'est super, Manon !That's great, Manon!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries formidable, je, suis, CC BY-SA 4.0.
