j'ai envie de pleurer
The French phrase for "I want to cry" is j'ai envie de pleurer.
The phrase is used to express a strong feeling or an urge to weep.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, j'ai envie de pleurer translates to "I have the desire to cry".
Which one should you use?
While je veux pleurer is grammatically correct, j'ai envie de pleurer is more natural for expressing an emotional urge or a sudden feeling.
Did you know?
- A common French idiom for being moved to tears is avoir la gorge nouée, which means 'to have a knotted throat'. This describes the physical sensation that precedes the act of pleurer.
- Because envie stems from the Latin 'invidia', the word is etymologically linked to the concept of 'looking upon' something with ill will.
- In certain contexts, pleurer can be used as a metaphor for losing money or mourning a loss of assets, such as pleurer son argent.
Examples in context
- J'ai envie de pleurer.I want to cry.Tatoeba #452167 by sacredceltic, translation #452275 by CM
- J'ai envie de pleurer !I want to cry!Tatoeba #2347834 by sacredceltic, translation #2345852 by Hybrid
- Lorsque j'évoque cette histoire tragique, je souhaite pleurer.When I recall this tragic story, I want to cry.
- Je me sens profondément triste et j'ai envie de pleurer.I feel profoundly sad, and I want to cry.
- Après avoir perdu le match, j'ai envie de pleurer.After losing the game, I want to cry.
- C'est si triste que j'ai envie de pleurer.It is so sad that I want to cry.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Manon and Hugo are watching a sad movie together.
- ManonCe film est vraiment émouvant.This movie is truly moving.
- HugoOui, j'ai envie de pleurer.Yes, I want to cry.
- ManonNe t'inquiète pas, Hugo, je suis là.Don't worry, Hugo, I am here.
- HugoMerci, Manon, c'est gentil.Thanks, Manon, that is kind.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, envie, j'ai, pleurer, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
