Être (en. Be)
ɛtʁ
Meaning & Definition
EnglishFrench
verb
Indicating existence, identity, or a characteristic.
I am a teacher.
Je suis professeur.
Having a certain quality or condition.
She is kind.
Elle est gentille.
Being in a state or situation.
We are at school.
Nous sommes à l'école.
Etymology
From Latin 'essere', meaning 'to be, to exist'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
to be late
Arriving later than expected.
être en retard
to be attentive
Paying attention to others.
être à l'écoute
to be on the same wavelength
Having similar ideas or opinions.
être sur la même longueur d'onde
Related Words
existence
The fact of being or living.
existence
state
Condition or situation of a person or thing.
état
identity
What makes a person or thing itself.
identité
Slang Meanings
To be aware
I'm in the loop, I know what's going on.
Je suis dans le coup, je sais ce qui se passe.
To be chill
He is relaxed, not worried about the situation.
Il est relax, ne s'inquiète pas de la situation.