Je suis allé me promener
In French, "I went on a walk" is said as Je suis allé me promener.
This phrase is used to indicate that you took a stroll for pleasure or exercise.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "I am gone to walk myself", which utilizes the reflexive verb se promener.
Which one should you use?
While Je suis allé me promener implies a leisurely stroll, Je suis allé marcher focuses more on the physical act of walking or exercise. You can also say Je suis allé faire une promenade to mean "I went for a walk" by using the noun une promenade with the verb faire.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, Canada, one can say Je suis allé(e) marcher to express going on a walk.
How does it change in a sentence?
If the speaker is female, an extra e is added to the past participle allé to become allée.
Did you know?
- The word promener is built from the root mener, which means 'to lead' or 'to drive'.
- The word promener likely underwent a metathesis, where letters were rearranged from its ancestor pourmener to create the modern form.
- While promener means to stroll, the word promenade is also used to describe a physical boardwalk or a paved pedestrian path.
Examples in context
- Je suis allé me promener dans le parc.I went on a walk in the park.
- Je suis allé me promener pour me détendre.I went on a walk to relax.
- Ce matin, je suis allé me promener au bord de la mer.This morning, I went on a walk by the seaside.
Example conversation
Lucas and Manon are talking about their afternoon.
- LucasQu'est-ce que tu as fait cet après-midi ?What did you do this afternoon?
- ManonJe suis allé me promener au bord de la mer.I went on a walk by the seaside.
- LucasC'est super, faisait-il beau ?That's great, was the weather nice?
- ManonOui, le soleil brillait.Yes, the sun was shining.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries je, me, promener, suis, CC BY-SA 4.0.
