Je veux te dire quelque chose
The English phrase 'I want to tell you something' is translated into French as Je veux te dire quelque chose.
Which one should you use?
The form Je veux te dire quelque chose is used when speaking to a friend, a family member or someone you address as 'tu'. In contrast, you should use Je veux vous dire quelque chose if you are speaking to a stranger, a superior or a group of people.
How does it change in a sentence?
In this context, the unit quelque chose functions as a single unit meaning 'something' and is not split into 'quelque' and 'chose'.
Did you know?
- In French, the phrase dire quelque chose can be used sarcastically. If someone says Tu veux dire quelque chose ? with a certain tone, they may be challenging you to defend yourself during an argument.
- While Je veux means 'I want', French speakers often use the conditional Je voudrais to say 'I would like'. Using Je veux can sound demanding or blunt to a native speaker.
- The French word dire for 'tell' or 'say' shares a distant ancestor with the English word 'digit'. Both come from a root meaning 'to show' or 'point out' with a finger.
Examples in context
- Attends ! Je veux te dire quelque chose.Wait. I want to tell you something.This example is useful for showing how to use Je veux te dire quelque chose after asking someone to wait.Tatoeba #2019535 by sacredceltic, translation #2016970 by CK
- Viens ici. Je veux te dire quelque chose.Come here. I want to tell you something.This example is useful for showing how to use Je veux te dire quelque chose after asking someone to come closer.Tatoeba #10783074 by lbdx, translation #5992344 by Hybrid
- Je veux te dire quelque chose.I want to tell you something.This example is a simple way to use Je veux te dire quelque chose.Tatoeba #961020 by Adou_Fr, translation #1948525 by Hoctr
- Je souhaite vous dire quelque chose d'important.I wish to tell you something important.
- Puis-je vous parler ? Il y a quelque chose dont je souhaite vous informer.May I speak to you? There is something I wish to inform you about.
- J'ai quelque chose à te dire, mais promets-moi de garder le secret !I have something to tell you, but promise me you'll keep it a secret!
- J'ai envie de te dire quelque chose d'incroyable, tu ne devineras jamais !I want to tell you something incredible, you'll never guess!
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Emma are sitting in a quiet café.
- LucasEmma, Je veux te dire quelque chose.Emma, I want to tell you something.
- EmmaQu'est-ce que c'est ?What is it?
- LucasJe t'aime.I love you.
- EmmaOh, c'est très gentil, Lucas.Oh, that is very sweet, Lucas.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries chose, dire, je, quelque, te, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
