essayer
/e.sɛ.je/
The English phrase 'trying' is translated into French as essayer.
Depending on the context, other phrases may be more appropriate: tenter is used when emphasizing an endeavor or effort and the informal phrase se débrouiller is used to mean 'to manage' or 'to cope'.
Which one should you use?
While essayer is the general term for 'to try', the form tenter de is often used in more formal or literary contexts to mean 'to attempt'.
How does it change in a sentence?
When you want to say 'to try to' (followed by another verb), you must use the preposition de after the verb, as in essayer de. However, if you are using essayer with a direct object, such as a piece of clothing or food, you do not need a preposition, as in essayer quelque chose.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of essayer is /e.sɛ.je/ and it has 3 syllables.
Did you know?
- In French, tenter can mean 'to try' but it also means 'to tempt'. This duality is seen in the expression tenter le diable which means 'to tempt the devil' or take a huge risk.
- The word essayer is a direct relative of the English word 'assay' meaning to test a metal or ore. Both stem from a root meaning to weigh or test something on a balance.
- While essayer is the standard, if you are 'trying' to survive a difficult situation through wit and resourcefulness, you would use se débrouiller, which literally means 'to untangle oneself'.
Examples in context
- J'essaie de comprendreI'm trying to understand
- Je tente de résoudre ce problèmeI'm trying to solve this problem
- J'essaie de trouver une solutionI'm trying to find a solution
- Je fais de mon mieux pour réussirI'm trying my best to succeed
- Je vais essayer ce nouveau restaurant.I am going to try this new restaurant.
- Tu devrais essayer de dormir un peu.You should try to sleep a little.
Example conversation
Manon and Nathan are looking at a difficult puzzle.
- ManonC'est difficile, mais je veux essayer.It's difficult, but I want to try.
- NathanTu penses que tu peux réussir, Manon ?Do you think you can succeed, Manon?
- ManonOui, je vais essayer encore une fois.Yes, I am going to try one more time.
- NathanBonne chance, je t'aide après.Good luck, I'll help you after.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry essayer, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries essayer, CC BY-SA 4.0.
