je peux le faire
The English phrase "I can do it" is translated into French as je peux le faire.
This phrase is used to state that you have the ability or the permission to complete a specific task.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of je (I), peux (can/am able to), le (it) and faire (to do/to make).
Which one should you use?
While je peux le faire expresses your ability or permission to do something, the phrase je sais le faire is used specifically to express that you know how to do it, meaning you possess the necessary skill.
How does it change in a sentence?
The direct object pronoun le (it) must be placed before the infinitive verb faire (to do).
Did you know?
- In French, if you want to say 'I can do it' in the sense of 'I can manage it' or 'I can handle it', you might use the reflexive form je peux m'en sortir.
- The verb faire shares a common ancestor with the English word 'fact', as both stem from the Latin 'facere', meaning 'to do' or 'to make'.
- In very informal spoken French, the je in je peux is often shortened to a sound like j'peux, blending the two words together.
Examples in context
- Je peux le faire.I can do it.This sentence is useful for the basic statement of je peux le faire.Tatoeba #998651 by sacredceltic, translation #254742 by CK
- Je peux le faire seule.I can do it by myself.This sentence shows how to use je peux le faire when performing a task alone.Tatoeba #948734 by sacredceltic, translation #256063 by CK
- Je peux le faire moi-même.I can do it myself.This sentence demonstrates using je peux le faire to express doing something by oneself.Tatoeba #1989825 by Sbgodin, translation #1887103 by CK
- Je suis capable de le faire. J'ai les compétences nécessaires.I am capable of doing it, I have the necessary skills.
- Pas de souci, je m'en occupe. C'est facile pour moi!No problem, I'll take care of it. It's easy for me!
- 29 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Chloé is struggling to carry a heavy box and Lucas offers help.
- ChloéC'est trop lourd pour moi !It's too heavy for me!
- LucasLaisse-moi t'aider, Chloé.Let me help you, Chloé.
- ChloéNon merci, je peux le faire.No thanks, I can do it.
- LucasD'accord, fais attention alors.Okay, be careful then.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries faire, je, le, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
