je suis
je suis is the French way to say "I am".
je suis is used to identify yourself or to describe your current state or condition.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the first-person singular subject pronoun je (I) and the first-person singular present tense of the verb être (to be), which is suis (am).
How does it change in a sentence?
When using adjectives to describe yourself with je suis, the adjective must match your gender. For example, a male would say Je suis fatigué while a female would say Je suis fatiguée. In rapid or informal spoken French, the e in je is often dropped, creating a sound similar to j'suis [ʒsɥi].
What mistakes should you avoid?
When stating your profession, do not use an article after je suis. For example, instead of saying je suis un professeur, you should say je suis professeur.
Did you know?
- Because suis is also the first-person form of suivre (to follow), the phrase je suis can mean either 'I am' or 'I am following' depending on the context.
- While English uses 'I am' for hunger or age, French often avoids je suis for these states, using verbs like avoir (to have) instead.
- The word suis is a linguistic survivor of a 'tug-of-war' between the Latin verbs for 'I am' and 'I was'. It likely evolved from a form of 'I was' rather than the standard 'I am'.
Examples in context
- Je suis médecin.I am a doctor.
- Je suis ravi(e) de faire votre connaissance.I am pleased to meet you.
- Je suis fatigué(e).I am tired.
- J'suis en retard.I am late.
- Je suis content(e).I am happy.
- Je suis fatigué ce soir.I am tired tonight.
- Je suis très heureux de te voir.I am very happy to see you.
- Je suis prêt pour le départ.I am ready for the departure.
Example conversation
Nathan and Emma are meeting at a cafe.
- NathanBonjour Emma, je suis content d'être ici.Hello Emma, I am happy to be here.
- EmmaMoi aussi, je suis ravie de te voir.Me too, I am delighted to see you.
- NathanEst-ce que tu es prête à commander ?Are you ready to order?
- EmmaOui, je suis affamée !Yes, I am starving!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries je, suis, CC BY-SA 4.0.
