j'ai des papillons dans le ventre
To say "I have butterflies in my stomach" in French, use j'ai des papillons dans le ventre.
This phrase describes a feeling of nervousness or excitement, often experienced before a big event or when meeting someone special. While the English expression refers to the stomach, French speakers say they have butterflies dans le ventre (in the belly).
Which one should you use?
In English, one says they have butterflies "in my stomach," but in French, the expression uses le ventre to refer to the belly.
How does it change in a sentence?
The infinitive form of this expression is avoir des papillons dans le ventre.
Did you know?
- French uses the word papillonner as a verb to describe someone who flits from one romantic partner to another, echoing the movement of the butterflies in the phrase.
- If a French speaker is extremely nervous, they might say they have la boule au ventre, meaning they have a 'ball in the belly'.
- While papillons refers to butterflies, the phrase avoir le ventre noué is often used instead when the nervousness feels more like a knot of anxiety than excitement.
Examples in context
- J'ai des papillons dans le ventre.I have butterflies in my stomach.This sentence is useful for expressing the feeling of having butterflies in your stomach with j'ai des papillons dans le ventre.Tatoeba #5977494 by sacredceltic, translation #18954 by CK
- Tu t'apprêtes à passer ton examen ? Oui, j'ai des papillons dans le ventre !Are you about to take your exam? Yes, I have butterflies in my stomach!
- Avant mon entretien, j'ai des papillons dans le ventre.Before my interview, I have butterflies in my stomach.
- Dès que je la vois, j'ai des papillons dans le ventre.As soon as I see her, I have butterflies in my stomach.
Example conversation
Lucas is nervous before a big music performance.
- LucasEmma, j'ai des papillons dans le ventre avant de monter sur scène.Emma, I have butterflies in my stomach before going on stage.
- EmmaC'est normal, Lucas, c'est l'excitation du spectacle !It's normal, Lucas, it's the excitement of the show!
- LucasJ'espère que je ne vais pas oublier mes notes.I hope I won't forget my notes.
- EmmaNe t'inquiète pas, tu vas être excellent.Don't worry, you are going to be excellent.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
