je ne veux pas
The English phrase "I will not" is translated into French as je ne veux pas.
This phrase is used to express a refusal to do something.
Did you know?
- The word pas literally means 'step'. In early French, speakers would say they did not move 'a step' to emphasize a refusal, eventually turning the word into a standard part of negation.
- A French speaker can express a refusal by simply shaking their head and saying pas question, which functions as a shorter and firmer version of je ne veux pas.
- In very formal or written French, the word ne can appear alone without pas after certain verbs, creating a negation that sounds poetic or archaic to modern ears.
Examples in context
- Je ne vais pas acheter cette voiture.I will not buy this car.
- Je ne le ferai pas sans votre accord.I will not do it without your approval.
- Ah non, je ne vais pas le faire, c'est trop compliqué!No way, I will not do it, it's too complicated!
- Pas question que je fasse ça, c'est absolument hors de discussion.No way I'm doing that, it's absolutely out of the question.
Example conversation
Hugo and Chloé are deciding what to do for a project.
- HugoTu peux aider Chloé avec le rapport ?Can you help Chloé with the report?
- ChloéNon, je ne veux pas le faire.No, I will not do it.
- HugoPourquoi es-tu si têtu, Hugo ?Why are you so stubborn, Hugo?
- ChloéParce que ce n'est pas mon travail.Because it is not my job.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries je, ne, pas, CC BY-SA 4.0.
