Meaning
To have little time.
Cultural Background
In Paris, being 'pressé' is often seen as a status symbol or a default state. People walk fast and are often impatient in the metro. In the South, the pace of life is slower. Being too 'pressé' can be perceived as stressful or even rude in a social setting. Meetings often start a few minutes late, but once they begin, being 'pressé par les délais' is a common justification for efficiency. In Quebec, you might also hear 'être pressé' used similarly, but with a slightly different accent and sometimes mixed with English 'rushed'.
The 'Social Escape'
Use 'Je suis un peu pressé' to end any conversation politely. It's the most socially acceptable 'lie' in France.
Gender Agreement
Don't forget the extra 'e' in writing if you are female, even though it sounds the same!
Meaning
To have little time.
The 'Social Escape'
Use 'Je suis un peu pressé' to end any conversation politely. It's the most socially acceptable 'lie' in France.
Gender Agreement
Don't forget the extra 'e' in writing if you are female, even though it sounds the same!
The 'Citron Pressé'
If you see 'Citron Pressé' on a menu, it's a drink (fresh lemon juice with water and sugar), not a lemon in a hurry!
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'pressé'.
Ma sœur est très ________ ce matin car elle a un examen.
The subject 'Ma sœur' is feminine singular, so we add an 'e'.
Which sentence is correct to express eagerness?
I am eager to travel.
The structure 'être pressé de + infinitive' is the correct way to express eagerness.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are running late for a meeting with your boss.
'Pressé par le temps' is professional and accurate for a work context.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Tu veux un deuxième café ? B: Non merci, ________.
'Je suis pressé' is the natural way to decline because you have to leave.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesMa sœur est très ________ ce matin car elle a un examen.
The subject 'Ma sœur' is feminine singular, so we add an 'e'.
I am eager to travel.
The structure 'être pressé de + infinitive' is the correct way to express eagerness.
You are running late for a meeting with your boss.
'Pressé par le temps' is professional and accurate for a work context.
A: Tu veux un deuxième café ? B: Non merci, ________.
'Je suis pressé' is the natural way to decline because you have to leave.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsNo, that is a common mistake for Spanish speakers. You must say 'Je suis pressé'.
'Être pressé' is how you feel/your situation. 'Se dépêcher' is the physical action of moving fast.
Yes, it is neutral and can be used in formal and informal settings.
You can say 'Je suis très pressé' or 'Je suis super pressé'.
Related Phrases
Avoir hâte
similarTo look forward to something
Se dépêcher
builds onTo hurry up
Être à la bourre
synonymTo be running late (slang)
Prendre son temps
contrastTo take one's time
