je fais de l'exercice
The English phrase 'I exercise' is translated into French as je fais de l'exercice.
Je fais de l'exercice is a statement used to say that you engage in physical activity to stay healthy.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, je fais de l'exercice translates to 'I do some exercise'.
Which one should you use?
While faire de l'exercice is a general way to say one exercises, if you are referring to a specific sport, you would use faire du/de la [sport] (for example, faire du jogging). Additionally, if you are referring to more intense or structured physical training, a common alternative is je m'entraîne, which means 'I train' or 'I work out'.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use the direct cognate exercer to mean 'to exercise'. However, in French, exercer is used for exercising a profession or a right, not for physical activity.
Did you know?
- If you use the reflexive form je m'exerce, a French listener might assume you are practicing a musical instrument or a mental skill rather than visiting the gym.
- While faire de l'exercice is correct, French speakers in daily conversation are far more likely to say faire du sport to describe any physical activity.
- The reflexive verb s'entraîner used for working out comes from the word train, which refers to a sequence or a series of exercises.
Examples in context
- Je fais de l'exercice.I exercise.This sentence shows a simple statement of the phrase je fais de l'exercice.Tatoeba #4681788 by sacredceltic, translation #5828706 by CK
- Je fais de l'exercice pour évacuer le stress.I exercise to relieve stress.This sentence uses je fais de l'exercice to explain the purpose of exercising to relieve stress.Tatoeba #12237756 by Aiji, translation #9956959 by Akh2403
- Je fais de l'exercice parce que je veux rester en bonne santé.I exercise because I want to stay healthy.This sentence uses je fais de l'exercice to state that one exercises to stay healthy.Tatoeba #408866 by Scott, translation #257220 by saeb
- Je fais régulièrement de l'exercice.I regularly exercise.
- Je fais du jogging chaque matin.I go jogging every morning.
- Je m'entraîne régulièrement au tennis.I regularly train in tennis.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing their morning routines.
- LéaTu cours tous les matins ?Do you run every morning?
- GabrielNon, mais je fais de l'exercice régulièrement.No, but I exercise regularly.
- LéaC'est une très bonne habitude pour ta santé.It is a very good habit for your health.
- GabrielOui, je me sens beaucoup plus énergique.Yes, I feel much more energetic.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
