N'osai (en. Didn't dare)

[n‿ozɛ]

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench

verb

To express the fact of not having the courage or audacity to do something.

I did not dare to tell him the truth.

Je n'osai pas lui dire la vérité.

To indicate hesitation or a lack of confidence in one's actions.

He did not dare to ask for help.

Il n'osait pas demander de l'aide.

To express an action that is not carried out due to a lack of audacity.

We did not dare to go out in this weather.

Nous n'osions pas sortir par ce temps.

The word 'n'osai' is the first person singular of the verb 'oser' in the negative past simple form.

to not dare to do something

It means to lack the courage to take an action.

n'oser pas faire quelque chose

not even daring

Expresses a great deal of hesitation or a lack of courage.

n'oser même pas

to dare or not to dare

A very commonly used expression to talk about taking risks.

oser ou ne pas oser

dare

Having the courage to do something.

oser

courage

The ability to overcome fear or uncertainty.

courage

shyness

The feeling of lacking self-confidence, often leading to hesitation.

timidité

To be afraid to act or take risks.

He was so afraid that he didn't even dare to ask for her number.

Il a tellement peur qu'il n'osai même pas demander son numéro.

To be overly cautious.

She is so cautious that she never dares to go out with friends.

Elle est tellement prudente qu'elle n'osai jamais sortir avec des amis.