je lisais
The English phrase "I used to read" is translated into French as je lisais.
The phrase je lisais is used to describe a habit or a repeated action that occurred in the past but no longer happens in the present, such as a former hobby or a continuous state.
How does it change in a sentence?
In French, this tense is used specifically to express habitual or continuous actions in the past.
Did you know?
- In spoken French, the 'imparfait' like je lisais is often used to express a polite request or a desire to soften a statement, making it sound less blunt than the present tense.
- The verb lire inside je lisais is a cognate of the English word 'literacy'. Both derive from the Latin word for 'letter'.
- While je lisais means 'i used to read', it can also mean 'i was reading' depending on the context. French does not have a separate 'past continuous' tense like English does.
Examples in context
- Quand j'étais jeune, je lisais beaucoup de romans.When I was young I used to read a lot of novels.This sentence is useful for showing how to describe a past habit using je lisais during a specific period of life.Tatoeba #8880440 by carlosalberto, translation #8880429 by carlosalberto
- Je lisais tous les soirs avant de dormir.I used to read every night before sleeping.
- Je lisais souvent dans le jardin l'été.I used to read often in the garden in the summer.
Example conversation
Nathan and Léa are discussing their old hobbies.
- NathanEst-ce que tu avais des habitudes de lecture ?Did you have any reading habits?
- LéaOui, je lisais beaucoup quand j'étais à l'école.Yes, I used to read a lot when I was in school.
- NathanC'est vrai ? Tu es devenue très occupée.Is that true? You have become very busy.
- LéaOui, je n'ai plus beaucoup de temps.Yes, I don't have much time anymore.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
