Je veux savoir
The English phrase "I wanna know" is translated into French as Je veux savoir.
You use Je veux savoir when you want to learn a specific fact or piece of information. If you want to say "I wanna know if…", you can use the construction Je veux savoir si… followed by your question.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase Je veux savoir is composed of Je (I), veux (want) and savoir (to know).
Which one should you use?
Use Je veux savoir when you want to know a fact or information. Do not use it to express being acquainted with a person or a place, as that requires Je veux connaître.
How does it change in a sentence?
If you are asking a stranger or a superior for information, it is much more polite and common to use the conditional form Je voudrais savoir (I would like to know) instead of the direct Je veux savoir.
Did you know?
- The French verb savoir comes from the Latin sapĕre, which originally meant 'to taste' or 'to have flavor'.
- The verb savoir is used in the French idiom savoir-faire, which refers to the practical skill or tact needed to handle a situation.
- The word savoir is related to the English word 'savvy', which also implies having knowledge or understanding.
Examples in context
- Je veux savoir qui l'a fait.I wanna know who did it.This sentence shows how to use Je veux savoir to express wanting to know who performed an action.Tatoeba #11675317 by Aiji, translation #11675325 by Amastan
- S'il te plaît, dis-moi. Je veux savoir.Please, tell me. I wanna know.This sentence demonstrates the use of Je veux savoir as a standalone request for information.Tatoeba #3425753 by Aiji, translation #1635258 by Amastan
- Excusez-moi, monsieur, je souhaite savoir à quelle heure se termine la réunion.Excuse me, sir, can I know what time the meeting ends?
- Bonjour, j'aimerais savoir où se trouve la bibliothèque municipale.Hello, I would like to know where the public library is located.
- Hey, je veux savoir ce que tu as pensé du film.Hey, I wanna know what you thought about the movie.
- Salut, j'aimerais bien savoir si tu viens à la fête vendredi.Hi, I'd really like to know if you're coming to the party on Friday.
- Je veux savoir si tu viens ce soir.I wanna know if you are coming tonight.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma and Hugo are talking about a surprise party.
- EmmaC'est quoi la surprise ? Je veux savoir !What is the surprise? I wanna know!
- HugoC'est un secret, Emma.It is a secret, Emma.
- EmmaS'il te plaît, Hugo, dis-le moi.Please, Hugo, tell me.
- HugoAttends jusqu'à demain.Wait until tomorrow.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries je, savoir, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
