Je refuse
The English phrase "I refuse" is translated into French as Je refuse.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using this phrase to connect to another verb, you must use the preposition de before the infinitive (for example, Je refuse de + infinitive). If you are refusing an action performed by someone else, the phrase is followed by que and a verb in the subjunctive mood (for example, Je refuse que + subjunctive).
Did you know?
- In a formal restaurant setting, if you refuse a dish or a specific service, using Je refuse might sound strangely aggressive or even like a legal declaration.
- In formal French, a refusal can be expressed through a 'negative' noun such as un refus, which historically stems from the Latin word for 'pushing back' or 'repelling'.
- While Je refuse is a direct refusal, a French person might instead say Je ne peux pas (I cannot) to decline an invitation politely without appearing confrontational.
Examples in context
- Et si je refuse ?What if I refuse?This sentence is useful for asking about the consequences of refusing.Tatoeba #2264937 by sacredceltic, translation #2235207 by Hybrid
- Je refuse de payer.I refuse to pay.This sentence shows how to express a refusal to perform a specific action like paying.Tatoeba #8027004 by Aiji, translation #7924068 by AlanF_US
- Je refuse d'y aller.I refuse to go.This sentence demonstrates a refusal to go to a certain place.Tatoeba #7862882 by Aiji, translation #3824405 by CK
- Je suis désolé(e), mais je ne peux pas accepter votre proposition.I'm sorry, but I cannot accept your proposal.
- J'ai bien peur de ne pas être en mesure d'accepter.I'm afraid I'm not able to accept.
- Merci pour votre proposition, mais je dois décliner.Thank you for your proposal, but I have to decline.
- Non merci, je passe mon tour.No thanks, I'll pass.
- J'aimerais bien, mais malheureusement, je ne peux pas.I would like to, but unfortunately, I can't.
- 42 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gabriel and Léa are discussing a work assignment.
- GabrielTu acceptes ce nouveau projet ?Do you accept this new project?
- LéaNon, je refuse.No, I refuse.
- GabrielPourquoi est-ce que tu refuses ?Why do you refuse?
- LéaC'est trop de travail pour moi.It is too much work for me.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
