je serai là
The English phrase "I will be there" is expressed in French as je serai là.
This phrase is used to confirm that the speaker will attend an event or arrive at a specific location. You can also use Je serai là-bas if you want to provide a more detailed indication of location.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of je (I), serai (will be) and là (there).
How does it change in a sentence?
In French, the future is indicated by the specific future tense conjugation of the verb itself rather than using a separate word like the English "will". In this phrase, serai is the first-person singular future indicative form of the verb être (to be).
Did you know?
- The word je evolved from the Latin word egō̆, which is the same root as the English word 'ego'.
- In French, the word là is often used to mean 'here' as well as 'there', depending on the context of the conversation.
- If you want to sound more certain about your arrival, you can use the present tense Je suis là (I am there/I am coming). In many contexts, the present tense conveys a sense of immediate, guaranteed action that the future tense lacks.
Examples in context
- Le rendez-vous est prévu à 14 h. Je serai là sans faute.The appointment is scheduled for 2 PM. I will be there without fail.
- J'ai bien reçu votre invitation pour la réunion de demain. Je serai présent.I have received your invitation for tomorrow's meeting. I will be there.
- On se retrouve au parc demain ? Pas de souci, je vais être là dès 14 h.Do we meet at the park tomorrow? No problem, I'll be there from 2 PM.
- Tu viens à la fête ce soir ? Oui, j'y serai vers 20 h.Are you coming to the party tonight? Yes, I'll be there around 8 PM.
- Tu viens à la fête ? Oui, je serai là !Are you coming to the party? Yes, I will be there!
- Ne t'inquiète pas, je serai là à l'heure.Don't worry, I will be there on time.
- Promis, je serai là pour ton anniversaire.I promise, I will be there for your birthday.
- Je serai là dès que possible.I will be there as soon as possible.
Example conversation
Lucas and Emma are discussing a party on Saturday.
- LucasTu viens à ma fête samedi ?Are you coming to my party on Saturday?
- EmmaOui, je serai là !Yes, I will be there!
- LucasSuper, j'ai hâte de te voir.Great, I can't wait to see you.
- EmmaÀ samedi alors, Lucas.See you Saturday then, Lucas.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries je, là, CC BY-SA 4.0.
