j'espère bien
The English phrase "I hope so" is translated into French as j'espère bien.
This phrase is often used as a standalone response to a question about a desired future event.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb espérer (to hope) and the adverb bien (well), literally meaning "I hope well".
Which one should you use?
While j'espère means "I hope", adding bien to the phrase adds an emphasis of certainty or strong desire. This makes j'espère bien closer to "I certainly hope so" or "I really hope so" than the simple j'espère.
Did you know?
- In French, using the phrase j'espère bien can sometimes sound slightly impatient or even sarcastic, as if you are saying 'I certainly hope so, otherwise we have a problem'.
- Using bien in j'espère bien can sometimes shift the meaning from a wish to a demand, implying that the speaker expects a certain result as a matter of obligation.
- The word bien in this phrase shares the same Latin root, bene, as the English word 'benefit'.
Examples in context
- J'espère bien.I hope so.This sentence is useful for practicing the phrase as a standalone statement.Tatoeba #181206 by Aiji, translation #51142 by CK
- « Est-ce qu'elle vient aussi ? » « J'espère bien. »"Is she coming, too?" "I hope so."This example shows how to use j'espère bien as a response to a question.Tatoeba #11245873 by Micsmithel, translation #317551 by CK
- J'espère bien qu'il fera beau demain.I really hope the weather will be nice tomorrow.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a job interview.
- NathanTu penses réussir ton entretien ?Do you think you will pass your interview?
- ManonJ'espère bien, j'ai beaucoup travaillé.I hope so, I have worked a lot.
- NathanTu le mérites, Manon.You deserve it, Manon.
- ManonMerci, c'est très gentil.Thank you, that is very kind.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bien, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
