Meaning
To remain in a place until someone arrives.
Cultural Background
Punctuality varies by region. In Paris, being 5-10 minutes late is common, but in professional settings, it is frowned upon. The phrase is used identically, but the accent and some informal fillers around it might change. Waiting for someone is often seen as a sign of respect or importance of the person arriving.
The 'Pour' Trap
Never say 'attendre pour'. It's the most obvious sign of an English speaker.
Use with things too
You can also 'attendre {le|m} bus' or 'attendre {la|f} pluie'.
Meaning
To remain in a place until someone arrives.
The 'Pour' Trap
Never say 'attendre pour'. It's the most obvious sign of an English speaker.
Use with things too
You can also 'attendre {le|m} bus' or 'attendre {la|f} pluie'.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct sentence.
How do you say 'I am waiting for my sister'?
'Attendre' does not need a preposition.
Fill in the missing verb form.
Nous _______ (attendre) le bus.
The 'nous' form of 'attendre' is 'attendons'.
Complete the text message.
Ami: 'Je suis là !' - Moi: 'Ok, je ___ attends !'
Before a vowel, 'te' becomes 't''.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are at a doctor's office.
You wait for a doctor in a medical context.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Who can you wait for?
Social
- • Un ami
- • Ma famille
- • Ma copine
Professional
- • Le patron
- • Un client
- • Le collègue
Practice Bank
4 exercisesHow do you say 'I am waiting for my sister'?
'Attendre' does not need a preposition.
Nous _______ (attendre) le bus.
The 'nous' form of 'attendre' is 'attendons'.
Ami: 'Je suis là !' - Moi: 'Ok, je ___ attends !'
Before a vowel, 'te' becomes 't''.
You are at a doctor's office.
You wait for a doctor in a medical context.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
6 questionsNo, it is a direct verb. You wait someone, not for someone.
Use the present tense: 'Je t'attends depuis 10 minutes'.
It is neutral and can be used in any situation.
Patienter is more formal and often used when the wait is an instruction (e.g., on the phone).
Yes, 'Elle attend un enfant' is the standard way to say someone is pregnant.
It is 'attendu'. Example: 'J'ai attendu une heure'.
Related Phrases
S'attendre à
similarTo expect something to happen
Faire attendre quelqu'un
builds onTo keep someone waiting
En attendant
similarIn the meantime
