J'ai entendu dire que
The English phrase "I heard that" is expressed in French as J'ai entendu dire que.
This phrase is used to introduce information that you learned from another source. While it is suitable for informal contexts, it may sound more formal than other colloquial options for reporting hearsay.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, J'ai entendu dire que translates to "I have heard to say that".
Which one should you use?
In English, "I heard that" can sometimes be followed directly by a noun phrase, but in French, J'ai entendu dire que must be followed by a clause that contains a verb.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb entendre is used here in the passé composé to indicate the completed act of hearing the information.
Did you know?
- The verb dire shares a prehistoric root with the English word 'digit', as both originate from a Proto-Indo-European word meaning 'to show' or 'point out'.
- In casual spoken French, the formal J'ai entendu dire que is frequently replaced by Il paraît que, which literally translates to 'It seems that'.
- While J'ai entendu dire que is a standard way to report hearsay, French speakers often use On m'a dit que to distance themselves even further from the source of the rumor.
Examples in context
- J'ai entendu dire que ce film est bon.I heard that this movie is good.This sentence shows how to use J'ai entendu dire que to express an opinion about a movie.Tatoeba #9765968 by lbdx, translation #8289054 by CK
- J'ai entendu dire que tu avais été viré.I heard that you got fired.This sentence uses J'ai entendu dire que to report news about someone being fired.Tatoeba #10494960 by lbdx, translation #10475412 by CK
- J'ai entendu dire que Thomas habitait Boston.I heard that Tom is living in Boston.This sentence uses J'ai entendu dire que to state something heard about where someone lives.Tatoeba #6021064 by sicerabibax, translation #2952233 by CK
- J'ai entendu dire que le directeur de l'entreprise allait prendre sa retraite.I heard that the company's director is going to retire.
- Il paraît que le nouveau restaurant en ville est excellent.I heard that the new restaurant in town is excellent.
- J'ai entendu dire que Jean et Marie vont se marier!I heard that Jean and Marie are getting married!
- Paraît-il qu'il y a une grande soirée chez Marc ce week-end.I heard that there is a big party at Marc's place this weekend.
- 11 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma and Nathan are chatting about a local news item.
- EmmaJ'ai entendu dire que tu as changé de travail.I heard that you changed jobs.
- NathanOui, c'est vrai, j'ai commencé lundi.Yes, it's true, I started on Monday.
- EmmaFélicitations pour ton nouveau poste, Nathan !Congratulations on your new position, Nathan!
- NathanMerci, Emma, c'est très gentil.Thanks, Emma, that's very kind.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries dire, j'ai, que, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
