patienter sagement
The English phrase "waiting patiently" can be translated into French as patienter sagement.
The phrase patienter sagement is most commonly used to describe children who are behaving well and waiting without making a fuss.
Which one should you use?
There is a distinction between the two main ways to express this idea. patienter sagement implies good behavior (often of a child), whereas attendre patiemment is the more literal and neutral way to say one is waiting with patience.
Did you know?
- While you might use 'waiting patiently' to describe a calm adult in English, using patienter sagement for an adult in French would sound strangely condescending, as if you were treating them like a small child.
- The word sage shares the same root as the English word 'sage' (a wise person), but in a modern French household, it is much more likely to be used to praise a toddler for sitting still.
- While patienter is used in professional settings to ask customers to wait, using attendre in the same context can sound unexpectedly blunt or demanding to a native speaker.
Examples in context
- Je vais attendre patiemment ton retour.I will wait patiently for your return.
- On va patienter tranquillement jusqu'à leur arrivée.We'll wait patiently until they arrive.
- Il faut que je t’attende sagement sans me décourager.I have to wait patiently for you without getting discouraged.
- L'enfant doit patienter sagement dans la salle d'attente.The child must wait patiently in the waiting room.
- Elle apprend à patienter sagement pour son tour.She is learning to wait patiently for her turn.
- Les élèves sont capables de patienter sagement avant le cours.The students are able to wait patiently before class.
Example conversation
Gabriel is talking to Manon about her young son.
- GabrielTon fils a été très calme.Your son was very calm.
- ManonOui, il a réussi à patienter sagement.Yes, he managed to wait patiently.
- GabrielC'est impressionnant pour son âge.That is impressive for his age.
- ManonJe suis vraiment fière de lui.I am really proud of him.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries patienter, sagement, CC BY-SA 4.0.
