j'essaierai
The English phrase "I will try" is translated into French as j'essaierai.
This phrase is used to express an intention to make an effort to do something in the future.
Which one should you use?
While j'essaierai is a standard future tense form, you may also encounter j'essaie (the present tense), which can be used to express a near-future intention, much like how English speakers use "I'll try".
How does it change in a sentence?
When using this phrase to mean "I will try to [do something]", you must use the construction j'essaierai de followed by an infinitive verb, as the verb essayer requires the preposition de.
Did you know?
- In France, saying j'essaierai in response to a request can sometimes be interpreted as a polite 'no' or a way to avoid making a firm commitment.
- The verb essayer is used both for attempting a task and for trying on clothes, such as essayer un manteau for 'trying on a coat'.
- In French, you can also use the verb tenter instead of essayer if you want to emphasize the 'temptation' or the risk involved in the attempt.
Examples in context
- J'essaierai de faire de mon mieux.I will try to do my best.This sentence shows how to express the intention of doing one's best using j'essaierai.Tatoeba #5849495 by Yemana, translation #257683 by CK
- J'essaierai d'être à la hauteur de vos attentes.I will try to live up to your expectations.This sentence illustrates using j'essaierai to express an intention to meet expectations.Tatoeba #10211 by sacredceltic, translation #71559 by CK
- J'essaierai de réparer ça mais je ne promets rien.I will try to fix the thing but I don't promise to do so.This sentence demonstrates using j'essaierai when making an effort without making a guarantee.Tatoeba #5798192 by Toynop, translation #5797016 by Herobane
- Est-ce que vous pouvez résoudre ce problème ? – Oui, bien sûr, je vais essayer.Can you solve this problem? – Yes, of course, I will try.
- Pouvez-vous finir cela avant demain ? – Oui, je ferai de mon mieux pour le terminer à temps.Can you finish this by tomorrow? – Yes, I will do my best to finish it on time.
- Est-ce que tu peux venir avec nous demain ? – Oui, je vais essayer d'être là.Can you come with us tomorrow? – Yes, I will try to be there.
- Tu pourrais me prêter de l'argent ? – Hmm, je vais voir ce que je peux faire pour t'aider.Could you lend me some money? – Hmm, I will see what I can do to help you.
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma and Hugo are discussing a difficult task at work.
- EmmaC'est un projet difficile pour nous.It is a difficult project for us.
- HugoJe sais, mais on peut réussir.I know, but we can succeed.
- EmmaEst-ce que tu peux finir ça demain ?Can you finish this tomorrow?
- HugoC'est serré, mais j'essaierai.It's tight, but I will try.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
