je le fais
In French, the phrase for "I do" is je le fais.
The French je le fais is used for general purposes to express that one is performing an action or a task, meaning "I do it" or "I am doing it".
Meaning: traditional phrase said upon acceptance of marriage (phrase)
Which one should you use?
In a literal sense, je le fais translates to "I do it" or "I am doing it", which is used for performing actions. It should not be confused with the formal expression used during wedding vows.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use je le fais as the traditional response for wedding vows. Instead, use the single word Oui to mean "Yes" in a formal or traditional marriage ceremony.
When do people say it?
In a traditional French wedding ceremony, when a priest or official asks a question to which the English speaker would say "I do", a French speaker typically responds with the single word Oui.
Did you know?
- The French language handles the concept of 'doing' through the verb faire, which can also mean 'to make', leaving no distinction between the two concepts.
- The word je evolved from the Classical Latin egō̆, which is also the root of the English word 'ego'.
- Because French doesn't use a helping verb like 'do' for questions, a phrase like 'Do you love me?' is expressed as Tu m'aimes ?, essentially saying 'You love me?'
Examples in context
- Je le fais parfois.I do that sometimes.This sentence shows how to use je le fais to describe an action done sometimes.Tatoeba #2420631 by sacredceltic, translation #2315141 by CK
- Je le fais beaucoup.I do that a lot.This sentence shows how to use je le fais to describe an action done frequently.Tatoeba #2420629 by sacredceltic, translation #2315139 by CK
- Et si je le faisais ?How about I do that?This sentence shows a conditional way to suggest performing an action using je le fais.Tatoeba #3902183 by sacredceltic, translation #3731689 by CM
- 28 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A couple is exchanging vows at their wedding ceremony.
- ManonPromets-tu de l'aimer pour toujours ?Do you promise to love her forever?
- NathanJe le fais.I do.
- ManonEt toi, Nathan, acceptes-tu cette union ?And you, Nathan, do you accept this union?
- NathanOui, je le fais.Yes, I do.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries je, le, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
