ne jamais dire
The English phrase "never say" is translated into French as ne jamais dire.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of ne… jamais (never) and dire (to say).
How does it change in a sentence?
When you are giving a command, the form changes. Use the imperative form ne dis jamais when giving a command to a single person informally. Use the imperative form ne dites jamais when giving a command to a group or when using the formal "you".
Did you know?
- The word jamais is a combination of two distinct words, 'iam' meaning 'already' and 'magis' meaning 'more'.
- In casual spoken French, the ne in ne jamais dire is almost always dropped by native speakers, making it sound like jamais dire.
- If a French speaker says je ne dis jamais in response to a question, they might be using a rhetorical device called 'litote'. This involves stating a negative to emphasize a strong positive feeling.
Examples in context
- Ne jamais dire jamaisNever say never
- Ne jamais prononcer ces motsNever say those words
- Il ne faut jamais rien dire de pareilYou should never say anything like that
- N'oublie jamais de dire 'merci'Never forget to say 'thank you'
- Il est important de ne jamais dire non à une opportunité.It is important to never say no to an opportunity.
Example conversation
Léa and Nathan are discussing a surprise party.
- LéaTu peux ne jamais dire un mot à Marc ?Can you never say a word to Marc?
- NathanOui, je garderai le secret.Yes, I will keep the secret.
- LéaC'est important pour la surprise.It is important for the surprise.
- NathanNe t'inquiète pas, Léa.Don't worry, Léa.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries dire, jamais, ne, CC BY-SA 4.0.
