je me demande
The English phrase 'I wonder' is translated into French as je me demande.
je me demande is used to express that you are thinking about something or questioning a fact.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, je me demande means 'I ask myself'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase is based on the pronominal verb 'se demander' (to wonder / to ask oneself), which requires the reflexive pronoun to match the subject. When expressing 'I wonder if…', you use je me demande si… followed by a declarative clause rather than an interrogative one.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using inversion after je me demande. For example, do not say je me demande pourquoi est-ce que… as if following a direct question. Instead, use standard statement word order for the clause that follows.
Did you know?
- If a French speaker says je me demande with a rising intonation at the end, it can function as a polite, indirect way to express doubt or disagreement.
- The word demande is a cognate of the English word 'demand', but in French it is much softer and often simply means 'to ask'.
- Using je me demande often signals a transition to a internal monologue in French literature, acting as a narrative bridge to the character's private thoughts.
Examples in context
- Je me demande qui.I wonder who.This sentence is useful for practicing the phrase with 'who'.Tatoeba #3902096 by sacredceltic, translation #276225 by CM
- Je me demande pourquoi.I wonder why.This sentence is useful for practicing the phrase with 'why'.Tatoeba #3469923 by GB3, translation #393490 by blay_paul
- Je me demande où il va.I wonder where he's off to.This sentence is useful for practicing the phrase with 'where'.Tatoeba #11229113 by lbdx, translation #6852174 by Hybrid
- Je me demande où se trouve la bibliothèque.I wonder where the library is.
- Je me demande comment je peux améliorer mon français.I wonder how I can improve my French.
- Je me pose la question de savoir si tu viendras à la réunion.I wonder if you will come to the meeting.
- Je me demande combien ça coûte.I wonder how much that costs.
- Je me demande si on peut y aller demain.I wonder if we can go there tomorrow.
- Je me demande si elle viendra à la fête.I wonder if she will come to the party.
- Je me demande si je saurai trouver le chemin.I wonder if I will be able to find the way.
- Je me demande s'ils accepteront ma proposition.I wonder if they will accept my proposal.
- 534 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Chloé and Nathan are looking at a mysterious gift.
- ChloéJe me demande ce qu'il y a dedans.I wonder what is inside.
- NathanC'est peut-être pour ton anniversaire.Maybe it is for your birthday.
- ChloéJe me demande qui l'a envoyé.I wonder who sent it.
- NathanOuvre-le pour savoir !Open it to find out!
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
