Stop saying "je ne sais pas" and start using the following phrases instead. In today's episode, you're going to learn fun phrases that add a lot more depth and nuance to your speech. Start incorporating those phrases progressively and spice up your vocabulary! On y va!
In today's episode:
- replace "je ne sais pas" with more expressive phrases
- use informal and formal synonyms depending on the context
- bonus: discover the quirky little sound we make when we don't know something
Today's takeaway:
1. Je ne sais pas:
Simply pronounce "Je sais pas" or "Jsais pas" for a more fluent sound.
2. Informal synonym:
Je n'en sais rien or j'en sais rien (I don't know)
3. When you aren't sure:
Je ne sais pas trop or je sais pas trop (I don't really know)
Je ne suis sûr(e) (I'm not sure)
4. When you have no idea:
Aucune idée (no idea)
Je n'en ai aucune idée or j'en ai aucune idée (I have no idea)
Je n'en ai pas la moindre idée or j'en ai pas la moindre idée (I don't have the least idea)
5. When you also want to know yourself:
Bonne question (good question)
Tu me poses une colle (that's a tough question)
Qui sait ? (who knows?)
Va savoir / allez savoir (go figure)
6. When you're a little defensive:
Qu’est-ce que j’en sais, (moi)? (How should I know ?)
Comment veux-tu que je le sache ? (How should I know?)
J’en sais rien, moi ! (I don't know, how should I know?)
7. When you're trying to save face:
Je ne suis pas le/la mieux placé(e) pour répondre. (I'm not the best person to answer)
Bonus: raspberry sound
Simply blow a raspberry and shrug to convey that you don't know!
Resources and references:
Alors? Ça t'a plu?
Did you enjoy this episode? Well, you can subscribe to the newsletter below and receive the latest episodes straight into your inbox every week. You'll also receive bonus episodes, exclusive premium content, and invites to very special events such as free coaching sessions and masterclasses, available to subscribers only! Why miss out? Sign up now and join the fun!
Comments