n'abandonne jamais
The English phrase 'never give up' is translated into French as n'abandonne jamais.
This phrase is an encouraging expression used to tell someone to keep trying and not stop until they succeed.
What does it mean word for word?
The word jamais conveys the idea of 'never'.
Which one should you use?
While n'abandonne pas means 'don't give up', the phrase n'abandonne jamais is stronger and more emphatic, meaning 'never give up'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Lâche rien is a slang expression used in France to convey the idea of not giving up.
How does it change in a sentence?
The default form n'abandonne jamais uses the singular imperative, which is used when speaking to one person you know well or a child.
Did you know?
- In French, you can also use the phrase ne baisse pas les bras to mean 'don't give up', which literally means 'don't lower your arms'.
- The word jamais originally came from the Old French words ja and mais, meaning 'any more' in reference to the future.
- In French, the word jamais is used in both 'never' and 'ever' contexts, depending on whether the sentence is negative or a question.
Examples in context
- N'abandonne jamais. Ne cède jamais.Never give up. Never surrender.This sentence is useful for seeing the phrase used alongside 'never surrender'.Tatoeba #2214830 by Rovo, translation #569460 by Spamster
- Je suis brésilien et je n'abandonne jamais.I'm Brazilian and I never give up.This sentence is useful for expressing a personal quality of perseverance.Tatoeba #11621779 by Adrien_FR, translation #5987648 by islandisto
- Parfois, je tombe, mais je n'abandonne jamais.Sometimes I fall, but I never give up.This sentence is useful for describing resilience through setbacks.Tatoeba #11764392 by lbdx, translation #4645701 by Sladey
- Tu dois persévérer sans relâche, jamais abandonner.You must persevere relentlessly, never give up.
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas is feeling discouraged about his piano lessons.
- ChloéC'est difficile, mais n'abandonne jamais tes rêves.It's difficult, but never give up on your dreams.
- LucasMerci Chloé, je vais continuer à m'entraîner.Thanks Chloé, I will keep practicing.
- ChloéTu es très talentueux, Lucas.You are very talented, Lucas.
- LucasJ'espère que je progresserai bientôt.I hope I will improve soon.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries jamais, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
