Understanding “Attendre”: To Wait
The verb “attendre” is a regular -re verb in French and means “to wait.” It is used when you are waiting for someone or something. This verb is straightforward and does not require a preposition unless you specify what or whom you are waiting for.
How to Use “Attendre”
“Attendre” is usually followed directly by a noun or pronoun. Here are some examples:
- J’attends le bus. (I am waiting for the bus.)
- Nous attendons nos amis. (We are waiting for our friends.)
- Il attend une réponse. (He is waiting for an answer.)
Notice that there is no preposition between “attendre” and the noun. In English, we say “wait for,” but in French, “attendre” alone conveys this meaning.
Understanding “S’attendre à”: To Expect
“S’attendre à” is a reflexive verb and means “to expect.” This verb is used when you anticipate or foresee that something will happen. It always requires the preposition “à” followed by a noun, pronoun, or subordinate clause introduced by “ce que.”
How to Use “S’attendre à”
Here are some examples to illustrate:
- Je m’attends à une réponse rapide. (I expect a quick answer.)
- Ils s’attendent à des changements. (They expect changes.)
- Tu t’attendais à ce qu’il vienne. (You expected him to come.)
Note that “s’attendre à” can be followed by a noun or by a subordinate clause starting with “ce que.” The use of the reflexive pronoun (me, te, se, nous, vous, se) is mandatory and changes according to the subject.
Key Differences Between “Attendre” and “S’attendre à”
- Meaning: “Attendre” means “to wait,” while “s’attendre à” means “to expect.”
- Grammar: “Attendre” is a non-reflexive verb and does not use a preposition, whereas “s’attendre à” is reflexive and always followed by “à.”
- Usage: Use “attendre” when physically or metaphorically waiting. Use “s’attendre à” when mentally anticipating or expecting something.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
A frequent error among learners is translating English directly into French. For example, “I am waiting for an answer” should be “J’attends une réponse,” not “J’attends pour une réponse.” Similarly, don’t use “attendre” when you mean “to expect” in the sense of anticipation—use “s’attendre à” instead.
Tips for Mastering “Attendre” and “S’attendre à”
- Practice with example sentences and repeat them aloud.
- Listen to native speakers, such as through audio resources or interactive language tools like Talkpal.
- Write your own sentences and have them corrected by a tutor or language partner.
- Remember: “attendre” is about waiting (physical or metaphorical), “s’attendre à” is about expecting (anticipating an outcome).
Conclusion
Mastering the difference between “attendre” and “s’attendre à” is a key step in sounding natural and precise in French. With practice and the right resources, such as those offered by Talkpal, you can avoid common pitfalls and gain confidence in your French communication. Whenever you’re in doubt, remember the core meanings: “attendre” for waiting, “s’attendre à” for expecting. Keep practicing, and your understanding of these verbs will soon become second nature!
