j'ai besoin d'argent
The English phrase "I need money" is expressed in French as j'ai besoin d'argent.
This phrase is used to state that you lack money and require some.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is a literal translation of "I have need of money". It utilizes the construction avoir besoin de (to have need of). In the phrase j'ai besoin d'argent, the d' is a contraction of the preposition de and the word argent.
How does it change in a sentence?
To change the subject of the sentence, you must conjugate the verb avoir (to have) to match. For example, you would say tu as besoin d'argent for "you need money" or il a besoin d'argent for "he needs money".
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid saying je besoin d'argent.
Did you know?
- While argent is the standard word for money, French speakers often use the slang term oseille (sorrel) to refer to cash.
- The word argent means both 'money' and 'silver', reflecting how precious metals were historically used as currency.
- The French word besoin is a masculine variant of besogne, which refers to a piece of work or a chore.
Examples in context
- Ma tante m'aide quand j'ai besoin d'argent.My aunt helps me when I need money.This sentence shows how the phrase is used when describing someone receiving help.Tatoeba #6403933 by felix63, translation #8354927 by marioo
- J'ai besoin d'argent pour acheter d'autres choses.I need money to buy other things.This sentence illustrates using the phrase to explain the reason for needing money.Tatoeba #7771193 by Aiji, translation #3150755 by CK
- J'ai besoin d'argent en général, pas seulement maintenant.I need money in general, not just now.This sentence demonstrates how to express a general need for money rather than an immediate one.Tatoeba #3446616 by sacredceltic, translation #3446609 by pauldhunt
- Hé, j'suis à sec en ce moment. Tu pourrais me prêter un peu d'argent ?Hey, I'm broke at the moment. Could you lend me some money?
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Chloé and Lucas are talking about their budget for a trip.
- ChloéJ'ai besoin d'argent pour les vacances.I need money for the holidays.
- LucasEst-ce que tu veux que je t'aide ?Do you want me to help you?
- ChloéOui, Lucas, ça m'aiderait beaucoup.Yes, Lucas, that would help me a lot.
- LucasD'accord, je vais voir ce que je peux faire.Okay, I will see what I can do.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries besoin, j'ai, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
