je porte
The English phrase "I wear" is translated into French as je porte.
je porte is used to express that you have clothing, accessories or even scents like perfume on your body. French does not have a separate continuous form for 'I am wearing'. 'je porte' covers both 'I wear' and 'I am wearing'.
What does it mean word for word?
The verb porter literally means "to carry".
How does it change in a sentence?
The infinitive form of the verb is porter.
Did you know?
- The word porte shares a common ancestor with the English word 'portal'. Both originate from the Proto-Indo-European root *per- meaning 'to pass through'.
- In French, porter can also mean to 'bear' a name or a title. If you say je porte le nom de…, you are not wearing the name as a garment, but carrying it as an identity.
- In a professional or formal context, you might use porter to describe carrying a certain air or a specific demeanor, much like one 'carries' oneself with grace.
Examples in context
- Je porte des lunettes.I wear glasses.This sentence is useful for showing how to use je porte with glasses.Tatoeba #3529528 by sacredceltic, translation #3494944 by _undertoad
- Que devrais-je porter ?What should I wear?This sentence shows a question form using the verb related to je porte.Tatoeba #5606064 by sacredceltic, translation #2768991 by Hybrid
- Je porte des lentilles.I wear contact lenses.This sentence shows how to use je porte with contact lenses.Tatoeba #10471583 by Aiji, translation #253826 by CK
- Je porte une chemise blanche au bureau tous les jours.I wear a white shirt to the office every day.
- Je revêts mon uniforme avant de commencer ma journée de travail.I put on my uniform before starting my workday.
- Je mets une robe élégante pour assister à la cérémonie.I wear an elegant dress to attend the ceremony.
- Je m'habille en jean et en t-shirt pour sortir avec mes amis.I wear jeans and a t-shirt to go out with my friends.
- Je porte un chapeau.I am wearing a hat.
- 23 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Chloé and Hugo are talking about their outfits for a party.
- ChloéJe porte une robe rouge ce soir.I am wearing a red dress tonight.
- HugoC'est super ! Moi, je mets un costume.That's great! Me, I'm putting on a suit.
- ChloéEst-ce que je porte aussi un collier ?Should I also wear a necklace?
- HugoOui, ça sera très élégant, Chloé.Yes, that will be very elegant, Chloé.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries je, porte, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
