je suppose
The English phrase "I guess" can be translated into French as je suppose.
je suppose is used to express that something is likely to be true based on probability rather than absolute certainty.
Which one should you use?
While je suppose expresses a logical assumption or probability, it does not carry the same casual, almost dismissive nuance as the English phrase "I guess" when used as a filler word. For a more formal or professional way to express a guess based on evidence, you might use je présume.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
je suppose can be used in informal situations. In more formal or professional contexts, je présume is a more sophisticated alternative.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, Canada, J'imagine is used to mean "I guess" or "I suppose".
How does it change in a sentence?
When using je suppose to introduce a clause, it is almost always followed by the conjunction que.
Did you know?
- The phrase je suppose is closely related to the French word for 'suppositories' suppositoire, as both stem from the idea of placing something underneath.
- If you use je suppose to mean you are guessing a number, you might be misunderstood, as French often uses deviner for the act of guessing a specific answer or mystery.
- While je suppose is the literal translation, French speakers often express the 'I guess' sentiment by simply adding hein to the end of a sentence to seek confirmation.
Examples in context
- Je suppose que non.I guess not.This sentence is useful for saying "I guess not" using je suppose.Tatoeba #4681994 by sacredceltic, translation #3821998 by CK
- Je suppose que ça va.I guess that's OK.This sentence is useful for saying "I guess that's OK" using je suppose.Tatoeba #2407126 by sacredceltic, translation #2330084 by CK
- Je suppose que c'est vrai.I guess it's true.This sentence is useful for saying "I guess it's true" using je suppose.Tatoeba #1848650 by sacredceltic, translation #1839491 by CK
- Je suppose que nous devrons reporter la réunion à demain.I guess we'll have to postpone the meeting until tomorrow.
- 175 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hugo and Léa are discussing their plans for the evening.
- HugoTu viens au restaurant ce soir ?Are you coming to the restaurant tonight?
- LéaJe suppose que oui, si je finis tôt.I guess so, if I finish early.
- HugoC'est une bonne nouvelle.That is good news.
- LéaOn verra bien.We will see.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
