N'osais (en. Didn't dare)

/n.o.zɛ/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench

verb

Negative form of the verb 'oser' in the imperfect tense in the first person singular.

I did not dare to tell him the truth.

Je n'osais pas lui dire la vérité.

Expresses a lack of boldness or courage in the past.

At that time, I did not dare to oppose him.

À l'époque, je n'osais pas m'opposer à lui.

Used to indicate hesitation to act.

I did not even dare to enter the room.

Je n'osais même pas entrer dans la pièce.

From the verb 'oser', derived from the Latin 'ausare', meaning 'to have the courage to do something'.

did not dare

Indicates a reluctance or refusal to do something.

n'osais pas

I did not dare to believe

Used to express skepticism or disbelief.

je n'osais croire

did not dare to express myself

To express oneself on a difficult subject without daring to do so.

n'osais m'exprimer

dare

To have the courage to do something.

oser

audacity

Extreme courage in action.

audace

courage

The ability to face pain or fear.

courage

To be too shy to do something.

He did not dare to ask for her number.

Il n'osait pas demander son numéro.

To avoid taking risks.

When it comes to changing jobs, I did not dare.

Quand il s'agit de changer de travail, je n'osais pas.