je reviens
The English phrase "I will be back" is translated into French as je reviens.
je reviens is a phrase used to tell someone that you are leaving for a short time and will return soon.
Which one should you use?
While English often uses the future tense "I will be back", French frequently uses the present tense je reviens to indicate a certain and imminent return.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase je reviens uses the present tense to express a near-future intention, which is common in French for immediate actions.
Did you know?
- While je reviens is the standard, a French speaker might say je fais un saut meaning 'I am making a jump' to indicate a very quick trip.
- The word revenir is a cousin of the English word 'revenue', as both stem from the Latin root for 'coming back' or 'returning'.
- In Quebec, you may hear je reviens tantôt, where tantôt can mean either 'in a while' or 'earlier today' depending on the context.
Examples in context
- Je reviens de suite.I will be back soon.This sentence is useful for showing how to say you will be back soon using je reviens.Tatoeba #911747 by sacredceltic, translation #1284 by brauliobezerra
- Je reviens à 6 heures et demie.I will be back at half past six.This sentence is useful for specifying a return time using je reviens.Tatoeba #14381 by Scott, translation #262301 by CK
- Je reviendrai dès que possible.I will be back as soon as possible.
- J'ai un rendez-vous maintenant, mais je serai de retour dans une heure.I have an appointment now, but I will be back in an hour.
- Je reviens tout de suite, je vais juste chercher mes clés.I'll be back in a second, I just need to grab my keys.
- Je reviens dans dix minutes.I will be back in ten minutes.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Manon is leaving the room to answer the door.
- ManonJe reviens tout de suite, Gabriel.I will be back immediately, Gabriel.
- GabrielD'accord, je t'attends ici.Okay, I am waiting for you here.
- ManonNe pars pas sans moi !Don't leave without me!
- GabrielNe t'inquiète pas, je reste là.Don't worry, I'm staying here.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
