Je sais
In French, Je sais is the way to say "I know" when asserting that you have an answer or an idea.
You can emphasize that you are fully aware of a situation or a fact by using the phrase Je sais bien.
Meaning: assertion that speaker has answer or idea (phrase)
Which one should you use?
There is an important distinction between Je sais and Je connais. While Je sais is used for facts or information, Je connais is used to express familiarity with people, places or things.
How does it change in a sentence?
When you are referring to a specific fact or piece of information that was mentioned previously, French often requires the use of the direct object pronoun le (it) after the verb, resulting in the form Je le sais.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use Je sais when they mean they are familiar with a person or a place. In these instances, you should use Je connais instead.
Did you know?
- The word savoir is a cognate of the English word 'savvy', which entered English via French to describe someone who is knowledgeable.
- In casual spoken French, the Je in Je sais is often contracted to a 'sh' sound, making the phrase sound like Chais.
- The phrase Je sais can be used ironically to end an argument, where a short, sharp delivery implies 'I've heard enough' rather than 'I possess this information'.
Examples in context
- Je sais tout ça.I know all that.This example shows how to use Je sais to say you know all of a certain thing.Tatoeba #4864764 by sacredceltic, translation #1887481 by CK
- Je sais déjà ça.I know that already.This is useful for expressing that you already possess a certain piece of information.Tatoeba #8382581 by Aiji, translation #3826778 by CK
- Je sais où c'est.I know where it is.This shows how to use Je sais to state that you know a location.Tatoeba #5164068 by Salemminou, translation #1880398 by CM
- Je sais que la nouvelle politique d'entreprise est en vigueur à partir de demainI know that the new company policy is effective starting tomorrow
- Oui, je connais ce groupe. Leur musique est incroyable!Yes, I know that band. Their music is amazing!
- 2755 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hugo and Léa are discussing their plans for the weekend.
- HugoOn doit partir à huit heures demain.We have to leave at eight o'clock tomorrow.
- LéaJe sais, j'ai déjà préparé mes affaires.I know, I have already packed my things.
- HugoN'oublie pas ton passeport.Don't forget your passport.
- LéaJe sais, il est dans mon sac.I know, it is in my bag.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
