J'essaie
The English phrase "I try" is translated into French as J'essaie.
J'essaie is used to state that you are making an effort to perform an action.
Which one should you use?
J'essaye is an alternative correct spelling of J'essaie. Je m'efforce de is a more formal way to express the phrase, conveying a stronger sense of effort.
How does it change in a sentence?
In French, the present tense J'essaie is used to express both "I try" and "I am trying". When you want to say "I try to [do something]", the verb J'essaie must be followed by the preposition de before an infinitive verb.
Did you know?
- In French, the word essai also refers to a literary 'essay'. This comes from the idea that an essay is an 'attempt' to put a thought into words.
- In French, you can say J'essaie de le faire, but if you are trying a physical object like a piece of clothing, you drop the preposition de and simply say Je l'essaie.
- In rugby, the term for a 'try' is un essai, meaning the player has successfully attempted to ground the ball.
Examples in context
- J'essaie de rester positif.I try to keep positive.This sentence is useful for showing how to use J'essaie with an infinitive to express an effort to stay positive.Tatoeba #12003770 by lbdx, translation #5747612 by CM
- J'essaie de faire profil bas.I try to keep a low profile.This sentence is useful for showing how to use J'essaie with an infinitive to express an effort to keep a low profile.Tatoeba #5656802 by Yemana, translation #5655323 by CK
- J'essaie d'éviter les disputes.I try to avoid arguments.This sentence is useful for showing how to use J'essaie with an infinitive to express an effort to avoid something.Tatoeba #12003765 by lbdx, translation #7463908 by CK
- J'essaie de comprendre la situation difficile dans laquelle vous vous trouvez.I try to understand the difficult situation you're in.
- Je m'efforce de gérer ce projet de manière méthodique et responsable.I try to manage this project in a methodical and responsible manner.
- J'essaie de cuisiner un nouveau plat ce soir. J'espère que ça sera délicieux!I'm trying to cook a new dish tonight. I hope it will be delicious!
- Je fais de mon mieux pour t'aider avec tes devoirs, mais les mathématiques ne sont pas mon point fort!I'm doing my best to help you with your homework, but math is not my strong suit!
- 40 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Chloé are talking about learning a new language.
- LucasEst-ce que tu parles espagnol, Chloé ?Do you speak Spanish, Chloé?
- ChloéJ'essaie d'apprendre, mais c'est difficile.I try to learn, but it's difficult.
- LucasJe comprends, c'est un long travail.I understand, it's a lot of work.
- ChloéOui, mais je ne baisse pas les bras.Yes, but I'm not giving up.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
