je regarde
The English phrase "I look" is translated into French as je regarde.
je regarde is used when someone is directing their eyes toward something in order to see it.
Which one should you use?
In English, speakers distinguish between the habitual "I look" and the continuous "I am looking". Unlike English, the French je regarde covers both of these meanings.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb used in je regarde is a transitive verb, which means it is typically followed directly by a direct object without a preposition like "at".
Did you know?
- In French, the phrase cela ne me regarde pas uses the verb from je regarde to mean 'that is none of my business'. It literally translates to 'that does not look at me'.
- While je regarde is used for looking, the French use a different verb, chercher, when they mean 'I am looking for' something. Using regarder in this context would imply you are simply staring at an object rather than searching for it.
- The phrase regarde-moi can mean 'look at me', but in certain social contexts, it is used to mean 'listen to me'. The verb shifts from a physical action to a request for mental attention.
Examples in context
- Où devrais-je regarder ?Where should I look?This sentence is useful for asking for direction regarding where to direct one's gaze using je regarde.Tatoeba #3627492 by fleur74, translation #9709226 by megamanenm
- Je regarde par la fenêtre.I look out of the window.This sentence is useful for describing the action of looking through a window using je regarde.Tatoeba #12428879 by Orange, translation #3921976 by Balamax
- Puis-je regarder ce magazine ?May I look at that magazine?This sentence is useful for asking permission to look at a magazine using je regarde.Tatoeba #1452024 by sacredceltic, translation #1451658 by CK
- Je regarde le paysage.I look at the landscape.
- J'observe les oiseaux dans le parc.I look at the birds in the park.
- J'observe les tableaux dans le musée.I look at the paintings in the museum.
- Je contemple les étoiles.I look at the stars.
- Je contemple la mer au coucher du soleil.I look at the sea at sunset.
- Je regarde mon ami jouer au football.I look at my friend playing football.
- 9 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hugo and Emma are in an art gallery.
- HugoJe regarde ce tableau avec attention.I am looking at this painting carefully.
- EmmaIl est vraiment magnifique, n'est-ce pas ?It is truly magnificent, isn't it?
- HugoOui, les couleurs sont incroyables.Yes, the colors are incredible.
- EmmaRegarde, il y en a un autre plus loin.Look, there is another one further away.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
