Meaning
States one needs to go quickly.
Cultural Background
In Paris, being 'pressé' is a way of life. If you aren't walking fast in the metro, you might get some annoyed looks. It's not necessarily rudeness, just the pace of the city. In Quebec, you might hear 'Je suis pressé' but also 'Je suis mal pris' if you are in a rush because of a problem. The accent will be different, but the meaning remains. Punctuality is vital in Switzerland. Being 'pressé' is often a result of trying to be exactly on time, as being even one minute late is frowned upon. Time can be more flexible. While 'Je suis pressé' is understood, social obligations often take precedence over strict schedules.
Agreement is key
Always remember to add an 'e' if you are a woman writing this phrase.
Don't use 'avoir'
This is the #1 mistake. Stick with 'être'.
Meaning
States one needs to go quickly.
Agreement is key
Always remember to add an 'e' if you are a woman writing this phrase.
Don't use 'avoir'
This is the #1 mistake. Stick with 'être'.
The 'Chuis' shortcut
To sound like a native, contract 'Je suis' into 'Chuis' when you're in a real rush.
Polite Exit
Use 'Je suis un peu pressé' to end a conversation without being rude.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'pressé'.
Ma sœur est très ______ ce matin.
Since 'ma sœur' is feminine singular, we add an 'e' to 'pressé'.
Which sentence is correct?
How do you say 'I am in a hurry' in French?
In French, we use the verb 'être' (to be) with 'pressé'.
Fill in the missing line.
A: Tu veux un café ? B: Non merci, ______.
'Je suis pressé' is the logical reason to decline a coffee when you don't have time.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are excited to go on vacation tomorrow.
'Être pressé de' + infinitive expresses eagerness.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Pressé vs. Stressé
Practice Bank
4 exercisesMa sœur est très ______ ce matin.
Since 'ma sœur' is feminine singular, we add an 'e' to 'pressé'.
How do you say 'I am in a hurry' in French?
In French, we use the verb 'être' (to be) with 'pressé'.
A: Tu veux un café ? B: Non merci, ______.
'Je suis pressé' is the logical reason to decline a coffee when you don't have time.
You are excited to go on vacation tomorrow.
'Être pressé de' + infinitive expresses eagerness.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt's better to say 'Je suis pressé d'aller au travail' or 'Je suis pressé, je dois aller au travail'.
No, 'busy' is 'occupé'. 'Pressé' means you are moving fast or have little time right now.
You can say 'Je suis très pressé' or 'Je suis hyper pressé'.
Mostly, but it can also mean 'squeezed' (like juice) or 'eager' (when followed by 'de').
Not if you say it with a smile or add 'Désolé'. It's a normal part of French life.
It is 'pressées'. For example: 'Elles sont pressées'.
Yes, you can say 'Le projet est pressé' (The project is urgent), though 'urgent' is more common for things.
'Vif' means lively or quick in spirit, 'pressé' is specifically about time pressure.
Yes, this means your boss is putting pressure on you.
No, it's very informal. Don't use it with your boss unless you have a very close relationship.
Related Phrases
se dépêcher
similarto hurry up
être à la bourre
informalto be running late
avoir hâte
synonymto look forward to
presser le pas
specialized formto quicken one's pace
être débordé
similarto be overwhelmed/too busy
