How to Say “I Thought That” in French: A Comprehensive Guide

When learning a new language, it’s crucial to understand how to express common thoughts and ideas. In French, conveying the phrase “I thought that” can be done in various ways, depending on the context and level of formality. In this guide, we’ll provide you with multiple options to express this concept, ranging from formal to informal. Additionally, we’ll explore some regional variations, though they should be used sparingly. Let’s dive in and explore the different ways to say “I thought that” in French!

Formal Ways to Say “I Thought That” in French

If you’re aiming to express yourself formally in French, the following phrases will come in handy:

1. J’ai pensé que – This is a straightforward and widely used expression to say “I thought that.” It is appropriate for both written and spoken language. For example:
   

   J’ai pensé que nous pourrions partir en vacances ensemble. (I thought that we could go on a vacation together.)

2. Je croyais que – Similar to “I thought that,” this phrase indicates a belief or assumption you held. Here’s an example:
   

   Je croyais que tu avais déjà terminé ce projet. (I thought that you had already finished this project.)

3. Je suis d’avis que – This expression conveys the idea of thinking from a personal point of view. It can be used in situations where you want to share your thoughts or opinions. For instance:
   

   Je suis d’avis que cette décision serait bénéfique pour l’entreprise. (I thought that this decision would be beneficial for the company.)

Informal Ways to Say “I Thought That” in French

If you’re in a casual context or speaking with friends, family, or colleagues you’re close to, you can use these less formal expressions:

1. Je pensais que – This is the informal version of “j’ai pensé que.” It works well in everyday conversations and is commonly used by French speakers. Example:
   

   Je pensais que tu viendrais à la fête. (I thought that you would come to the party.)

2. Je me disais que – This phrase is used to convey thoughts or assumptions made over a period of time. Here’s an example:
   

   Je me disais que ça serait difficile, mais finalement, c’était facile. (I thought that it would be difficult, but in the end, it was easy.)

3. Je m’imaginais que – If you want to express thoughts that you visualized or imagined, this phrase is ideal. For instance:
   

   Je m’imaginais que la fête serait plus animée. (I thought that the party would be livelier.)

Regional Variations

French is spoken in various regions, each with its own subtle language differences. While it’s always safe to use standard French, awareness of regional variations can be useful. Here are a couple of examples:

• J’me suis dit que – This informal expression is commonly used in Quebec or by French speakers influenced by Quebecois French. It’s an adaptation of “Je me disais que.” Example:
  

  J’me suis dit que j’aurais dû prendre l’autobus. (I thought that I should have taken the bus.)

• J’avais cru que – This phrase is more common in Belgian French and suggests a belief or assumption that turned out differently. For example:
  

  J’avais cru que tu serais déjà arrivé. (I thought that you would have already arrived.)

Remember, regional variations should be used discreetly, as standard French is generally understood throughout the Francophone world.

Tips and Examples

Here are some additional tips and examples to help you master the usage of “I thought that” in French:

• When using the phrases covered in this guide, pay attention to the tense of the verb that follows. It should be consistent with the context and time reference.
• In situations where you want to express surprise or disbelief, consider adding an adverb such as “vraiment” (really) or “pas du tout” (not at all). For instance:
  

  Je pensais vraiment que tu serais là. (I really thought that you would be here.)

• Practice using these phrases in various contexts to become comfortable with their nuances and appropriateness.
• Listen to native French speakers, watch movies, and read books or articles in French to familiarize yourself with the language’s natural flow.

By using the formal and informal expressions provided, and considering regional variations when appropriate, you’ll be able to confidently express “I thought that” in French. Remember to practice regularly and immerse yourself in the language to deepen your understanding. Bonne chance!