je sais que
The English phrase "i know that" is translated into French as je sais que.
je sais que is used to introduce a factual statement or a specific piece of information that the speaker is aware of.
Which one should you use?
Use je sais que to introduce a factual statement. In contrast, you would use je connais when you are expressing knowledge of people, places or complex things.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase je sais que must be followed by a clause that contains a conjugated verb.
Did you know?
- To express 'I don't know that' in a formal way, French speakers use je l'ignore, which literally means 'I ignore it' rather than using the verb savoir.
- If you use je sais on its own as a response, it can sound dismissive or arrogant, often implying 'I already know that, stop telling me'.
- While je sais que refers to factual knowledge, the related verb savoir is also used to mean 'to know how' to do something, without needing an extra word like 'how'.
Examples in context
- Je sais que tu sais.I know that you know.This sentence is useful for showing how to use je sais que in a nested context.Tatoeba #1688175 by sacredceltic, translation #1687475 by Spamster
- Je sais que Tom sait.I know that Tom knows.This sentence demonstrates the use of je sais que with a third-person subject.Tatoeba #5589115 by Aiji, translation #3330370 by CK
- Je sais que tu es là.I know that you're there.This sentence shows how to use je sais que to confirm awareness of someone's presence.Tatoeba #7525926 by tras, translation #7521598 by CK
- Je sais que tu travailles dur pour réussir.I know that you work hard to succeed.
- Je suis conscient que le délai est court, mais nous ferons de notre mieux.I am aware that the deadline is tight, but we will do our best.
- 865 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Léa and Hugo are discussing a change in their schedule.
- LéaJe sais que le cours est annulé.I know that the class is cancelled.
- HugoAh bon ? Comment l'as-tu appris ?Oh really? How did you find out?
- LéaLe professeur me l'a dit ce matin.The teacher told me this morning.
- HugoD'accord, merci de m'avoir prévenu.Okay, thanks for letting me know.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
