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A2 noun #1,500 most common 10 min read

pensée

Top 1,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips pensée in 30 Seconds

Explanation pensée in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'pensée' is introduced as a simple noun meaning 'thought'. Beginners learn to recognize it in basic expressions of sympathy or affection, such as 'J'ai une pensée pour toi' (I have a thought for you / I am thinking of you). It is treated as a straightforward vocabulary item related to the mind. You will also learn that it is a feminine noun, requiring 'une' or 'la'. While you might not use it to discuss deep philosophy yet, knowing that 'une pensée' is what happens in your head when you think is essential. You might also briefly learn that it is the name of a flower (a pansy), which is a fun and easy-to-remember fact. The focus at this stage is purely on recognition and very basic usage in fixed, polite phrases.

At the A2 level, learners start to use 'pensée' more actively in daily descriptions. You learn to describe someone's state, such as 'Il est dans ses pensées' (He is in his thoughts / daydreaming). You begin to differentiate it from the verb 'penser' (to think) and understand how nouns and verbs interact in a sentence. You can use adjectives to describe the thought: 'une bonne pensée' (a good thought) or 'une mauvaise pensée' (a bad thought). The concept of 'lire dans les pensées' (reading minds) might be introduced in fun, imaginative contexts. At this stage, 'pensée' helps you move beyond just stating facts to describing internal states and mental activities in a simple but effective way.

At the B1 level, the usage of 'pensée' expands significantly. You begin to use it to express opinions and abstract concepts more clearly. Phrases like 'un courant de pensée' (a school of thought) or 'la liberté de pensée' (freedom of thought) become accessible as you discuss societal issues, history, or culture. You learn to articulate the difference between 'une idée' (a specific idea) and 'une pensée' (a broader thought or reflection). You can write short essays or journal entries describing your 'pensées' on various topics. The vocabulary surrounding the word grows, including verbs like 'exprimer' (to express) or 'partager' (to share) ses pensées. It becomes a tool for intermediate argumentation and deeper personal expression.

At the B2 level, 'pensée' is used with high precision and nuance. You are expected to understand and use complex collocations like 'une arrière-pensée' (an ulterior motive) and 'la pensée unique' (conformism/single-mindedness). You can engage in debates where you analyze the 'pensée' of an author, a politician, or a philosopher. The word is used to structure complex arguments and to critique different viewpoints. You understand the literary and formal registers of the word, recognizing when 'pensées' refers to a collection of philosophical maxims. Your ability to use 'pensée' reflects a sophisticated grasp of French abstract vocabulary, allowing you to participate fully in intellectual and professional discussions.

At the C1 level, your mastery of 'pensée' is near-native. You effortlessly navigate its most abstract and idiomatic uses. You can discuss 'la pensée complexe' or 'l'histoire de la pensée' with academic rigor. You use it in nuanced rhetorical structures, understanding how the choice between 'pensée', 'réflexion', and 'concept' alters the tone and exact meaning of your discourse. You are comfortable reading classical French literature where 'la pensée' is a central theme, fully grasping the subtle emotional and intellectual weight the author intends. You can manipulate the word in creative writing, using it to evoke atmosphere, psychological depth, or philosophical inquiry without hesitation.

At the C2 level, 'pensée' is a tool for absolute linguistic mastery. You understand its etymological roots and its evolution in the French language. You can deconstruct idiomatic expressions and invent your own poetic or rhetorical uses of the word. You engage with the highest levels of French philosophical texts (e.g., Descartes, Pascal) where 'la pensée' is the foundational element of existence ('Je pense, donc je suis'). You can critique the subtle ideological undertones of a text by analyzing its 'cadre de pensée' (framework of thought). Your use of the word is flawless, deeply culturally informed, and capable of expressing the most profound and complex human abstractions.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

pensée in 30 Seconds

A thought or an idea.
The process of thinking.
A philosophical concept.
A flower (the pansy).

The French word pensée is a highly versatile and fundamental feminine noun that translates primarily to thought in English. It encompasses the cognitive process of thinking, the result of that process (an idea or opinion), and even a specific type of flower (the pansy). Understanding pensée is crucial for expressing complex ideas, emotions, and intellectual concepts in French.

Cognitive Process: It refers to the actual act of thinking, the mental activity that occurs in the brain. This is often used in philosophical or abstract contexts.
Specific Idea: It can represent a single, distinct idea or reflection that crosses one's mind.
The Flower: In botany, a pensée is a pansy, a flower whose name derives from the same root, symbolizing remembrance and thought.

Elle est perdue dans ses pensées.

She is lost in her thoughts.

When you use pensée, you are tapping into a rich linguistic tradition that values intellectual discourse. The word is deeply embedded in French culture, famously encapsulated by René Descartes' philosophical proposition, which relies heavily on the concept of thought. Furthermore, the plural form, les pensées, is frequently used to describe a state of deep reflection or a collection of philosophical writings, such as Blaise Pascal's famous work.

J'ai eu une pensée pour toi aujourd'hui.

I had a thought for you today (I thought of you).

In everyday language, expressing a pensée is a way of sharing your inner world. Whether you are offering condolences (mes pensées vous accompagnent), sharing a brilliant new concept, or simply daydreaming, this noun is your go-to vocabulary word. It bridges the gap between the abstract mind and concrete communication.

La liberté de pensée est un droit fondamental.

Freedom of thought is a fundamental right.

Il a planté des pensées dans le jardin.

He planted pansies in the garden.

To master this word, one must recognize its dual nature: it is both an everyday conversational tool and a vehicle for profound philosophical inquiry. From the simple act of remembering a friend to the complex articulation of a political ideology, pensée remains a cornerstone of the French lexicon.

C'est une pensée réconfortante.

It is a comforting thought.

Using pensée correctly involves understanding its collocations—the verbs and adjectives it frequently pairs with. Because it is a feminine noun, it requires feminine articles and adjective agreements. Let's explore the structural ways this word integrates into French sentences.

With Verbs of Having and Giving: You can avoir une pensée (have a thought) or adresser une pensée (send a thought). This is common in sympathetic or affectionate contexts.
With Verbs of State: Phrases like être plongé dans ses pensées (to be deep in thought) or être perdu dans ses pensées (to be lost in thought) describe a state of mental absorption.
With Adjectives: Adjectives like profonde (deep), positive (positive), négative (negative), or unique (unique) frequently modify it.

Il est soudainement sorti de ses pensées.

He suddenly snapped out of his thoughts.

When constructing sentences, pay attention to prepositions. You have a thought pour (for) someone, but you are lost dans (in) your thoughts. The ability to read minds is expressed as lire dans les pensées. These prepositional nuances are key to sounding like a native speaker.

Je ne peux pas lire dans tes pensées.

I cannot read your mind (thoughts).

Another frequent usage is in the realm of ideology or philosophy. You might encounter terms like la pensée unique (single-mindedness or conformity of thought) or un courant de pensée (a school of thought). In these contexts, the word elevates the discourse, indicating a structured system of ideas rather than a fleeting mental image.

Ce livre explore la pensée moderne.

This book explores modern thought.

Nourrissez votre esprit de belles pensées.

Nourish your mind with beautiful thoughts.

Finally, do not forget the botanical usage. If you are at a florist or discussing gardening, asking for des pensées will get you a beautiful bouquet of pansies, not a philosophical lecture. Context is everything!

Ces pensées violettes sont magnifiques.

These purple pansies are magnificent.

The word pensée is ubiquitous in the French-speaking world, appearing in a wide array of contexts ranging from intimate personal conversations to high-level academic debates. Its presence spans across different registers of the language, making it a truly indispensable vocabulary item.

Everyday Conversation: Friends and family use it to express care, such as saying 'J'ai une pensée pour toi' when someone is going through a tough time or facing an important event.
News and Media: Journalists frequently discuss 'la pensée politique' (political thought) or analyze the 'courants de pensée' (schools of thought) shaping current events.
Literature and Philosophy: It is a staple in French literature, representing the inner monologue of characters or the central thesis of philosophical essays.

Toutes mes pensées vont aux victimes.

All my thoughts go to the victims.

In professional environments, you might hear colleagues discussing the 'pensée stratégique' (strategic thinking) required for a new project. It implies a level of depth and planning that goes beyond mere brainstorming. In educational settings, teachers encourage students to develop their 'pensée critique' (critical thinking), a core component of the French educational system which heavily emphasizes philosophy and structured argumentation.

Il faut développer sa pensée critique.

One must develop their critical thinking.

You will also encounter this word in the context of mindfulness and psychology. Apps, podcasts, and books dedicated to mental well-being frequently talk about 'gérer ses pensées' (managing one's thoughts) or adopting 'la pensée positive' (positive thinking). This modern usage highlights the word's adaptability to contemporary self-care trends.

La méditation aide à calmer les pensées.

Meditation helps to calm the thoughts.

C'est le chef de file de ce mouvement de pensée.

He is the leader of this movement of thought.

Finally, during times of grief or public tragedy, the phrase 'Nos pensées sont avec vous' (Our thoughts are with you) is the standard, respectful way to offer condolences. It is a powerful, empathetic use of the word that transcends cultural boundaries.

Nos pensées accompagnent sa famille.

Our thoughts are with his family.

While pensée is a common word, learners frequently make errors regarding its gender, its distinction from the verb penser, and its usage compared to similar nouns like idée or avis. Let's clarify these common pitfalls to ensure accurate and natural-sounding French.

Gender Confusion: Because it ends in '-ée', it is feminine. A common mistake is saying 'un pensée' instead of 'une pensée'. Always ensure adjectives agree, e.g., 'une belle pensée'.
Noun vs. Verb: Learners sometimes confuse the past participle of the verb penser (which is pensé or pensée depending on agreement) with the noun la pensée.
Pensée vs. Idée: While they overlap, an idée is often a specific concept or solution (I have an idea!), whereas a pensée is more reflective, abstract, or emotional.

C'est une pensée intéressante, mais j'ai une meilleure idée.

It's an interesting thought, but I have a better idea.

Another frequent error occurs when translating the English phrase 'food for thought'. In French, you do not say 'nourriture pour la pensée'. The correct idiomatic expression is matière à réflexion. Literal translations often lead to awkward phrasing, so it is crucial to learn the specific collocations associated with pensée.

Cela donne matière à réflexion, n'est-ce pas une belle pensée ?

That gives food for thought, isn't it a beautiful thought?

When expressing an opinion, English speakers might say 'my thoughts on this are...'. In French, translating this directly to 'mes pensées sur ça sont...' sounds poetic but unnatural for a simple opinion. It is much better to say 'mon avis sur la question est...' or simply 'je pense que...'. Reserve pensée for deeper reflections or emotional sentiments.

Il a exprimé sa pensée avec beaucoup de clarté.

He expressed his thought with great clarity.

Une arrière-pensée est un motif caché.

An ulterior motive (lit. behind-thought) is a hidden motive.

Lastly, be careful with the compound noun arrière-pensée (ulterior motive). It is a very useful word, but remember that it carries a negative connotation, implying deceit or a hidden agenda, unlike a simple pensée.

Il a agi sans aucune arrière-pensée.

He acted without any ulterior motive.

To enrich your French vocabulary, it is essential to understand the nuances between pensée and its synonyms. While they all relate to the mind and cognition, each word has a specific flavor and appropriate context.

L'idée (The idea): An idée is typically a specific, actionable concept or a sudden inspiration. It is less abstract than a pensée. You have an idea for a project, but you are lost in thought.
La réflexion (The reflection): Réflexion implies a deeper, more sustained, and deliberate process of thinking about a specific subject. It is analytical.
L'opinion / L'avis (The opinion): These words are used when you are expressing a judgment or a stance on a particular issue. Pensée is rarely used to mean a simple opinion in modern, casual French.

Son idée a déclenché une longue réflexion.

His idea triggered a long reflection.

Another related term is le concept (the concept), which is used in academic or highly theoretical contexts. When comparing pensée to concept, the former is more organic and human, while the latter is a structured, defined intellectual construct. Understanding these subtle differences allows you to choose the exact right word for your intended meaning.

Le concept de liberté est central dans sa pensée.

The concept of freedom is central to his thought.

You might also encounter le sentiment (the feeling). While pensée belongs to the realm of the intellect, sentiment belongs to the heart. However, in French, the line between the two can sometimes blur, especially in literature where a thought can be deeply emotional, or a feeling can be highly rationalized.

Il a partagé ses sentiments et ses pensées.

He shared his feelings and his thoughts.

C'est ma conviction profonde.

It is my deep conviction.

By mastering this network of related words, you elevate your French from simple translation to true fluency, capable of expressing the finest shades of human cognition and emotion.

Chaque mot a sa propre nuance de pensée.

Every word has its own nuance of thought.

How Formal Is It?

Difficulty Rating

Grammar to Know

Feminine noun agreements (e.g., une belle pensée).

Use of prepositions (une pensée POUR quelqu'un, perdu DANS ses pensées).

Pluralization (adding an 's' for les pensées).

Capitalization rules for literary works (Les Pensées).

Distinction between the noun 'pensée' and the past participle 'pensé/pensée'.

Examples by Level

C'est une bonne pensée.

It is a good thought.

Uses the feminine article 'une' and the feminine adjective 'bonne'.

J'ai une pensée pour toi.

I have a thought for you.

A common fixed expression for sympathy or affection.

La pensée est une fleur.

The pansy is a flower.

Demonstrates the botanical meaning of the word.

Il a de belles pensées.

He has beautiful thoughts.

Plural form 'pensées' with the plural adjective 'belles'.

C'est ma seule pensée.

It is my only thought.

Uses the possessive adjective 'ma'.

Une pensée heureuse.

A happy thought.

Noun-adjective agreement (heureuse).

J'aime cette pensée.

I like this thought.

Uses the demonstrative adjective 'cette'.

Les pensées sont bleues.

The pansies are blue.

Plural usage referring to the flower.

Elle est perdue dans ses pensées.

She is lost in her thoughts.

Common idiom 'perdu dans ses pensées'.

Je ne peux pas lire tes pensées.

I cannot read your thoughts.

Uses the verb 'lire' (to read) metaphorically.

C'est une pensée très profonde.

It is a very deep thought.

Uses the adverb 'très' and adjective 'profonde'.

Il a exprimé sa pensée clairement.

He expressed his thought clearly.

Uses the verb 'exprimer' and an adverb.

Mes pensées vont à sa famille.

My thoughts go to his family.

Standard phrase for condolences.

Soudain, une pensée m'a frappé.

Suddenly, a thought struck me.

Uses the passé composé of 'frapper'.

Il cache ses vraies pensées.

He hides his true thoughts.

Plural noun with the adjective 'vraies'.

C'est une pensée effrayante.

It is a scary thought.

Uses the present participle as an adjective (effrayante).

La liberté de pensée est essentielle.

Freedom of thought is essential.

Abstract concept using 'de + noun'.

Ce livre nourrit la pensée.

This book nourishes thought.

Metaphorical use of the verb 'nourrir'.

Il appartient à un autre courant de pensée.

He belongs to another school of thought.

Introduces the phrase 'courant de pensée'.

Partagez vos pensées avec le groupe.

Share your thoughts with the group.

Imperative mood with the verb 'partager'.

Cette musique m'inspire de sombres pensées.

This music inspires dark thoughts in me.

Adjective placed before the noun for stylistic effect.

Il a agi sans aucune arrière-pensée.

He acted without any ulterior motive.

Introduces the compound noun 'arrière-pensée'.

La pensée positive peut changer la vie.

Positive thinking can change life.

Concept of 'pensée positive'.

Je dois organiser mes pensées avant de parler.

I must organize my thoughts before speaking.

Uses 'avant de + infinitive'.

La pensée unique étouffe le débat public.

Single-mindedness (conformity) stifles public debate.

Uses the specific cultural term 'pensée unique'.

Son discours manquait de profondeur de pensée.

His speech lacked depth of thought.

Uses 'manquer de' with an abstract noun phrase.

C'est un chef-d'œuvre de la pensée philosophique.

It is a masterpiece of philosophical thought.

Combines 'pensée' with a classifying adjective.

Il faut savoir nuancer sa pensée.

One must know how to nuance one's thought.

Uses the verb 'nuancer' with 'pensée'.

Les Pensées de Pascal sont une lecture ardue.

Pascal's Pensées are an arduous read.

Capitalized as a proper noun for a literary work.

Elle a formulé sa pensée avec une grande acuité.

She formulated her thought with great sharpness.

Advanced vocabulary 'acuité'.

Cette idéologie est une construction de la pensée.

This ideology is a construct of thought.

Abstract usage defining the nature of an ideology.

Ses actes sont en contradiction avec sa pensée.

His actions are in contradiction with his thought.

Contrasting 'actes' and 'pensée'.

L'évolution de la pensée humaine est fascinante.

The evolution of human thought is fascinating.

Broad, academic usage of the singular noun.

Il a su s'affranchir des cadres de pensée traditionnels.

He managed to free himself from traditional frameworks of thought.

Complex phrase 'cadres de pensée'.

La fulgurance de sa pensée a surpris l'auditoire.

The dazzling speed of his thought surprised the audience.

Literary/advanced noun 'fulgurance'.

Toute pensée complexe requiert un vocabulaire précis.

All complex thought requires precise vocabulary.

Generalization using 'Toute'.

Il se complaît dans une pensée stérile et dogmatique.

He wallows in sterile and dogmatic thought.

Advanced adjectives 'stérile' and 'dogmatique'.

L'arrière-pensée politique de cette réforme est évidente.

The political ulterior motive of this reform is obvious.

Using 'arrière-pensée' in a macro-political context.

Sa pensée chemine à travers des méandres insoupçonnés.

His thought wanders through unsuspected meanders.

Poetic/metaphorical use of the verb 'cheminer'.

C'est une véritable révolution dans l'histoire de la pensée.

It is a true revolution in the history of thought.

Hyperbolic, academic phrasing.

L'indicible échappe par nature à la conceptualisation de la pensée.

The unspeakable escapes by nature the conceptualization of thought.

Highly philosophical and abstract syntax.

La pensée cartésienne a durablement façonné l'épistémologie occidentale.

Cartesian thought has durably shaped Western epistemology.

Academic historical analysis.

Il faut déconstruire cette doxa pour libérer la pensée critique.

One must deconstruct this doxa to liberate critical thought.

Use of specialized vocabulary 'doxa' and 'déconstruire'.

L'arborescence de sa pensée rend son œuvre difficilement saisissable.

The branching nature of his thought makes his work difficult to grasp.

Metaphorical noun 'arborescence'.

Toute tentative d'enfermer la pensée dans un dogme est vouée à l'échec.

Any attempt to confine thought within a dogma is doomed to failure.

Sophisticated use of 'vouée à l'échec'.

La pensée se nourrit de ses propres apories pour progresser.

Thought feeds on its own aporias to progress.

Philosophical term 'apories' (logical impasses).

L'auteur tisse une toile où la pensée se fait poésie.

The author weaves a web where thought becomes poetry.

Literary metaphor 'se fait' (becomes).

La fulgurance de la pensée aphoristique réside dans sa concision.

The brilliance of aphoristic thought lies in its conciseness.

Advanced literary criticism vocabulary.

Common Collocations

perdu dans ses pensées

lire dans les pensées

une pensée profonde

liberté de pensée

courant de pensée

arrière-pensée

pensée unique

avoir une pensée pour

exprimer sa pensée

nourrir la pensée

Common Phrases

J'ai une pensée pour toi.

Il est plongé dans ses pensées.

C'est une belle pensée.

La liberté de pensée.

Nos pensées vous accompagnent.

Lire dans les pensées de quelqu'un.

Une arrière-pensée.

Un courant de pensée.

La pensée positive.

Matière à pensée (matière à réflexion).

Often Confused With

pensée vs penser (the verb)

pensée vs pensé (the past participle)

pensée vs idée (a specific concept)

Idioms & Expressions

"avoir une arrière-pensée"

"lire dans les pensées"

"être à cent lieues de cette pensée"

"une pensée de derrière la tête"

"la pensée magique"

"une pensée vagabonde"

"la pensée unique"

"avoir la pensée ailleurs"

"une pensée en l'air"

"recueillir ses pensées"

Easily Confused

pensée vs

Sentence Patterns

How to Use It

literal

A cognitive process or specific idea.

botanical

A pansy flower.

figurative

A state of deep reflection (perdu dans ses pensées).

Common Mistakes

Saying 'un pensée' instead of 'une pensée'.
Confusing the noun 'la pensée' with the past participle 'pensé'.
Translating 'food for thought' literally as 'nourriture pour la pensée' instead of 'matière à réflexion'.
Using 'ma pensée est que' instead of 'je pense que' to express a simple opinion.
Forgetting the second 'e' when spelling the noun 'pensée'.

Tips

Feminine Agreement

Always remember that 'pensée' is feminine. Any adjective attached to it must take the feminine form (e.g., profonde, belle, positive).

The Pansy Flower

If you are at a garden center, 'des pensées' are pansies. Don't be confused if someone talks about planting thoughts in their garden!

Arrière-pensée

Use 'arrière-pensée' when you suspect someone has a hidden motive. It's a great advanced vocabulary word to make you sound fluent.

Les Pensées de Pascal

If you hear someone refer to 'Les Pensées' as a book, they are talking about the famous philosophical work by Blaise Pascal. It's a cornerstone of French literature.

Offering Sympathy

'J'ai une pensée pour toi' is a beautiful, natural way to tell a friend you are thinking of them during a hard time. Use it instead of literal translations.

Elevate Your Essays

In formal writing, use 'courant de pensée' (school of thought) instead of just 'groupe' or 'idée' to describe intellectual movements.

The Nasal Vowel

Practice the 'en' sound in 'pensée'. It should be nasalized. If you pronounce it like the English 'pen', it will sound incorrect.

Avoid 'Ma pensée est'

Resist the urge to translate 'My thought is...' literally. Native speakers prefer 'Je pense que...' or 'Mon avis est...'.

Pensée vs. Réflexion

Use 'pensée' for a thought that pops into your head, and 'réflexion' for a long, deliberate process of thinking about a problem.

Mindfulness

In modern contexts like yoga or meditation, you will often hear 'laissez passer vos pensées' (let your thoughts pass). It's very common in wellness vocabulary.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a PAN (pan) on the SEA (sée) cooking up your THOUGHTS. Pan-sea = Pensée = Thought.

Word Origin

From the past participle of the Old French verb 'penser' (to think), which comes from Latin 'pensare' (to weigh, consider).

Cultural Context

The flower 'pansy' is named after the French word for thought, symbolizing remembrance.

'Les Pensées' by Pascal is a foundational text in French literature.

France's identity is heavily tied to its philosophical tradition, making 'pensée' a highly respected concept.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Conversation Starters

"Quelle est ta pensée sur ce sujet ?"

"T'arrive-t-il d'être perdu dans tes pensées ?"

"Crois-tu que la pensée positive fonctionne ?"

"Quel courant de pensée te fascine le plus ?"

"As-tu déjà eu l'impression que quelqu'un lisait dans tes pensées ?"

Journal Prompts

Écrivez une pensée positive pour commencer votre journée.

Décrivez un moment où vous étiez perdu dans vos pensées.

Que signifie pour vous la 'liberté de pensée' ?

Quelle est la pensée la plus réconfortante que vous ayez eue récemment ?

Analysez une 'pensée' (citation) d'un philosophe célèbre.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

'Pensée' is a feminine noun. You must use feminine articles like 'la' or 'une', and any adjectives describing it must also be in the feminine form, such as 'une belle pensée'.

While both mean thought or idea, an 'idée' is usually a specific, actionable concept (like an idea for a project). A 'pensée' is more abstract, referring to the process of thinking, a deep reflection, or a philosophical concept.

You do not translate it literally. The correct French idiom is 'matière à réflexion', which means material for reflection. Do not say 'nourriture pour la pensée'.

Yes! In botany, 'une pensée' is a pansy. The flower's name comes from the word for thought, symbolizing remembrance and reflection.

An 'arrière-pensée' translates to an ulterior motive or a hidden agenda. It literally means 'behind-thought' and usually carries a negative connotation of deceit.

The standard phrase is 'Toutes mes pensées vont à...' (All my thoughts go to...) or 'Nos pensées vous accompagnent' (Our thoughts are with you). It is a very respectful and common way to show sympathy.

'La pensée unique' is a critical term used in politics and sociology to describe ideological conformism or single-mindedness, where only one way of thinking is accepted in public discourse.

It is derived from the feminine past participle of the verb 'penser'. The first 'e' with the accent acute (é) makes the 'ay' sound, and the second 'e' indicates that the noun is feminine.

It is grammatically correct but sounds very unnatural and overly formal in French. It is much better to simply say 'Je pense que...' (I think that...) or 'À mon avis...' (In my opinion...).

It translates to 'reading minds' or literally 'reading in the thoughts'. It is used exactly as it is in English, often in phrases like 'Je ne peux pas lire dans tes pensées' (I can't read your mind).