laisse-moi deviner
The English phrase 'let me guess' is translated into French as laisse-moi deviner.
This phrase is used when you want to try to figure out the answer to a question or a secret.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the imperative verb laisse (let/allow), the object pronoun moi (me) and the infinitive deviner (to guess).
Which one should you use?
You can also use Attends, je devine to say 'Wait, let me guess' in an informal context to express anticipation. For a more formal tone, you can use Permettez-moi de deviner, which literally means 'allow me to guess'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the imperative mood, which is why the pronoun moi follows the verb with a hyphen. When addressing multiple people or using a formal tone, the verb changes to laissez-moi deviner.
Did you know?
- If you want to express that you are making a wild, uneducated guess, you can use the phrase au pif, which refers to the 'nose' and implies guessing by instinct or scent.
- The verb deviner shares an ancient root with the word 'divine', as it comes from the Latin 'divinare' which means 'to foresee through divine power'.
- While 'laisse-moi deviner' is a literal translation, French speakers often use the idiomatic expression Je parie que… (I bet that…) when they are actually trying to guess something.
Examples in context
- Ne me dis pas ! Laisse-moi deviner !Don't tell me. Let me guess.This sentence is useful for practicing the exclamation of the phrase laisse-moi deviner.Tatoeba #2289715 by sacredceltic, translation #2288995 by CK
- Laisse-moi deviner.Let me guess.This sentence is a simple way to use laisse-moi deviner.Tatoeba #5960327 by Adelpa, translation #2249521 by CK
- Laisse-moi deviner, tu as oublié tes clés ?Let me guess, you forgot your keys?
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gabriel and Chloé are talking about a surprise gift.
- GabrielJ'ai un cadeau pour toi, Chloé.I have a gift for you, Chloé.
- ChloéVraiment ? Laisse-moi deviner ce que c'est !Really? Let me guess what it is!
- GabrielVas-y, je t'écoute.Go ahead, I'm listening.
- ChloéC'est un nouveau livre ?Is it a new book?
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries deviner, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
