Je pense que
The English phrase "I think that" is translated into French as Je pense que.
Je pense que is a phrase used to introduce a personal opinion or belief about a subject.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of Je (I), pense (think/am thinking) and que (that).
Which one should you use?
While Je pense que is used for positive statements, the negative form Je ne pense pas que (I don't think that) often triggers the subjunctive mood in the following clause.
How does it change in a sentence?
When expressing a positive opinion using Je pense que, the phrase is followed by the indicative mood rather than the subjunctive mood. In contrast, the negative form Je ne pense pas que often triggers the subjunctive mood in the following clause.
Did you know?
- The word pense comes from the Latin pendere, which means 'to weigh'. This reveals that in the French mindset, thinking is an act of weighing different arguments against each other.
- If you want to say 'I think so', you cannot say Je pense que. Instead, you must say Je le pense or Je crois que oui, as que cannot stand alone at the end of a sentence.
- While English speakers often start every sentence with 'I think that', French speakers may omit Je pense que entirely to sound more assertive or authoritative in a professional setting.
Examples in context
- Je pense que Tom ment.I think that Tom is lying.This example shows how to use Je pense que to express a belief about someone's honesty.Tatoeba #6463426 by Aiji, translation #7168754 by CK
- Je pense que c'est toi.I think that it's you.This example shows how to use Je pense que to express an identification.Tatoeba #966528 by felix63, translation #966522 by FeuDRenais2
- Je pense que tu es ivre.I think that you are drunk.This example shows how to use Je pense que to express an opinion about someone's state.Tatoeba #5167529 by sacredceltic, translation #8986202 by Ergulis
- Je pense que nous devrions prendre cette décision plus tard.I think we should make this decision later.
- J'estime que cette proposition est viable.I believe that this proposition is viable.
- Je crois que cette politique favorisera l'égalité.I believe that this policy will promote equality.
- Je pense que c'est une super idée !I think it's a great idea!
- J'ai l'impression que tout le monde est contre moi.I have the impression that everyone is against me.
- J'pense que ça va bien aller.I think it will be fine.
- 460 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a movie they just watched.
- ChloéJe pense que le film était génial.I think that the movie was great.
- NathanTu es sûre ? Je l'ai trouvé un peu long.Are you sure? I found it a bit long.
- ChloéMais l'histoire était très originale !But the story was very original!
- NathanC'est vrai, c'est un bon point.That's true, that's a good point.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
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