When you're just starting out in French, understanding basic verbs like croire is super helpful. At the A1 level, you'll mainly use croire to express belief or trust in simple statements. It's a regular -re verb, so its conjugations follow a predictable pattern for the present tense. This verb is fantastic for talking about what you think is true or what you have faith in. For example, you can use it to say you believe in someone or something, or that you think a statement is correct. It's a foundational verb for expressing opinions and certainties.
When you're learning French, you'll find the verb croire comes in handy quite often. It means 'to believe' or 'to think something is true.' For example, if someone asks you, 'Tu crois qu'il va pleuvoir?' they are asking, 'Do you think it's going to rain?' You can reply, 'Oui, je crois que oui,' meaning 'Yes, I think so.' It's a regular -RE verb, but it has a slightly irregular conjugation, so it's good to practice it.
When you're speaking French at a B1 level, croire is a versatile verb you'll use often. It can mean 'to believe' in the sense of having faith, like 'Je crois en Dieu' (I believe in God). But it also means 'to think' or 'to suppose' when you're less certain, for example, 'Je crois qu'il va pleuvoir' (I think it's going to rain). You'll frequently see it with 'que' (that) followed by a conjugated verb. Remember that the choice between 'croire' and verbs like 'penser' (to think) often depends on the degree of certainty you want to express. Pay attention to context clues to understand its nuance.
When using the verb "croire" (to believe), it's important to know that it is followed by the preposition "à" when you're talking about believing in someone or something, like "Je crois à l'amour" (I believe in love). However, when you believe that something is true, you'll often use "que" followed by a clause, such as "Je crois que tu as raison" (I believe that you are right). You can also use "croire" with a direct object, like "Je crois tes paroles" (I believe your words).
Pay attention to the nuance: "croire en" can imply faith or trust, as in "Je crois en Dieu" (I believe in God), whereas "croire à" is more about accepting something as true or real. Remember that "croire" can also be used reflexively, "se croire," meaning to believe oneself to be something, often used in a slightly arrogant sense, like "Il se croit le meilleur" (He thinks he's the best). Mastering these distinctions will significantly improve your fluency and accuracy.
When using "croire" with a person, it means to believe someone, as in believing what they are saying. For example, "Je te crois" means "I believe you."
When followed by a direct object, "croire" means to believe in the existence of something or someone. For instance, "Je crois aux fantômes" translates to "I believe in ghosts."
It can also be used with an infinitive or "que" + a clause to express belief in a statement or idea. "Je crois que tu as raison" means "I believe that you are right."
Finally, "croire en" can express faith or trust. "Je crois en toi" means "I believe in you" (I have faith in you).
When you're speaking French at a C2 level, 'croire' isn't just about simple belief. You're nuanced. You can use it to express a deep-seated conviction, often with a subordinate clause introduced by 'que' (that). For example, 'Je crois que la paix est possible' (I believe that peace is possible). You also understand its use in more complex idiomatic expressions, like 'croire en ses rêves' (to believe in one's dreams), or to express a degree of certainty or doubt. You might also encounter it in a more philosophical context, exploring abstract ideas of faith or conviction. Mastery at this level means you can distinguish between 'croire' (to believe) and 'penser' (to think) with precision, applying the correct verb depending on the nuance of conviction or opinion you wish to convey.
Croire em 30 segundos
- Use 'croire' to express belief in something.
- It can also mean to trust someone.
- Commonly used for opinions or religious beliefs.
§ Understanding 'Croire'
The French verb 'croire' is an essential word for beginners. It means 'to believe' or 'to accept as true'. You'll use it all the time to talk about your beliefs, opinions, or what you think is true. It's a regular -RE verb, but it does have a few quirks in its conjugation, which we'll get to later. For now, focus on its core meaning.
- DEFINITION
- To believe; to accept as true.
Think of 'croire' as directly equivalent to 'to believe' in English. If you believe something, you 'crois' it in French. If you don't believe something, you 'ne crois pas' it. It's that straightforward. This verb is incredibly versatile and you'll find yourself using it in many different contexts, from casual conversations to more formal discussions.
§ Common uses of 'Croire'
Here are the main ways you'll hear and use 'croire':
- To express belief in someone or something: This is its most common usage.
- To express an opinion or what you think is true.
- To believe in a religion or a concept.
- To believe in yourself or others.
Let's look at some practical examples to make this clearer:
Je crois en toi. (I believe in you.)
Elle croit qu'il va pleuvoir. (She believes that it's going to rain.)
Notice how in the second example, 'croire' is followed by 'que' (that). This is very common when you're expressing a belief about a statement or a fact.
§ 'Croire' with prepositions
Sometimes 'croire' needs a preposition, just like 'believe' in English. The most common one you'll encounter is 'en' (in) when you believe in someone or something.
Nous croyons en la paix. (We believe in peace.)
You might also see 'croire à' (to believe in) when referring to the existence of something, often something fantastical or abstract.
Les enfants croient au Père Noël. (The children believe in Santa Claus.)
It's important to pay attention to these prepositions as they can subtly change the meaning or nuance of your sentence. Getting them right will make your French sound much more natural.
§ 'Croire' in everyday speech
Beyond its literal meaning, 'croire' is used in many common expressions. For example, if someone says "Je crois que oui" it means "I think so" or "I believe so." Similarly, "Je crois que non" means "I don't think so." These are very handy phrases for everyday conversation.
Tu as faim? Je crois que oui. (Are you hungry? I think so.)
Understanding 'croire' early in your French learning journey will unlock many possibilities for expressing your thoughts and opinions. It's a foundational verb, so take the time to get comfortable with its meaning and common applications.
§ How to use Croire: The Basics
Alright, let's talk about 'croire' – a super common and useful verb in French. It means 'to believe' or 'to accept as true'. You'll use it all the time, so understanding its basic forms and how it works with other words is key. We're going to cover how to conjugate it, what prepositions to use (and when!), and some common expressions.
First off, 'croire' is an irregular -RE verb. This means its endings don't follow the standard pattern perfectly, but don't worry, it's not too tricky. For A1 level, focus on the present tense, as that's what you'll encounter most often.
- Present Tense Conjugation
- Je crois (I believe)
- Tu crois (You believe - informal singular)
- Il/Elle/On croit (He/She/One believes)
- Nous croyons (We believe)
- Vous croyez (You believe - formal singular or plural)
- Ils/Elles croient (They believe)
Notice how the 'y' appears in 'nous' and 'vous'? That's the main irregular part to keep an eye on. The rest is pretty straightforward.
§ Croire + Direct Object: Believing a Noun
When you believe a 'thing' or a 'person', 'croire' can take a direct object. This means you don't need a preposition between 'croire' and the noun.
Je crois l'histoire. (I believe the story.)
Elle croit ses amis. (She believes her friends.)
See? No extra words needed. You're directly believing the story or the friends.
§ Croire + à: Believing in Something (Abstract) or Someone (Trust)
This is where things get a little more nuanced. When 'croire' means 'to believe in' something abstract (like an idea, a religion, or a concept) or 'to trust' someone, you use the preposition 'à'. Remember that 'à' combines with 'le' to form 'au', and with 'les' to form 'aux'.
Je crois en Dieu. (I believe in God.) Note: 'en' is used here specifically for 'God' or 'a higher power'. For most other abstract nouns, you'd use 'à'.
Nous croyons au Père Noël. (We believe in Santa Claus.)
Tu crois à l'amour. (You believe in love.)
Je crois à sa parole. (I believe his word/I trust what he says.)
§ Croire que + Subjunctive (or Indicative)
This is where 'croire' gets a bit more advanced, but it's important to know the general rule. When you use 'croire que' (to believe that), the verb in the clause following 'que' can be either in the indicative or the subjunctive mood, depending on whether you're stating a fact or expressing doubt/opinion.
For A1, you'll mostly encounter the indicative (the normal verb form) after 'croire que' when expressing a belief you hold as true.
Je crois qu'il est gentil. (I believe that he is nice.)
Nous croyons qu'elle vient. (We believe that she is coming.)
However, when 'croire' is in the negative or interrogative (a question), it often triggers the subjunctive because it expresses doubt or uncertainty. But for now, just be aware of this, don't stress too much about mastering the subjunctive at A1. Focus on the positive statements first!
§ Common Expressions with Croire
Here are a couple of useful expressions you'll hear often:
- Croire en soi
- To believe in oneself.
Il faut croire en soi pour réussir. (You must believe in yourself to succeed.)
- Je crois que oui/non
- I think so / I don't think so (literally 'I believe that yes/no').
Est-ce qu'il va pleuvoir? Je crois que oui. (Is it going to rain? I think so.)
So there you have it! 'Croire' is a versatile verb. The main takeaways for A1 are to know its present tense conjugation, and to understand the difference between directly believing a noun (no preposition) and believing in an abstract concept or trusting someone (with 'à'). Keep practicing, and you'll be using 'croire' like a pro in no time!
§ Understanding 'Croire' at Work
When you're in a French-speaking work environment, 'croire' pops up quite often. It's not always about deep philosophical belief; sometimes it's about what you think is true, what you expect, or what you're convinced of regarding a project, a colleague, or a situation.
- Use in Meetings
- You might hear or say 'Je crois que...' (I believe that...) to express your opinion or a tentative conclusion during a discussion. It's a polite way to offer your thoughts without stating them as absolute facts.
Je crois que le rapport est prêt. (I believe the report is ready.)
- Discussing Plans
- If you're talking about schedules or upcoming events, 'croire' can indicate your expectation or assumption.
Nous croyons pouvoir finir le projet à temps. (We believe we can finish the project on time.)
§ 'Croire' in School and Study
In an academic setting, 'croire' is invaluable for discussing theories, hypotheses, and what's generally accepted as true within a field of study. It's also used in more personal academic contexts, like expressing your confidence in your own abilities or your understanding of a topic.
- Academic Discussions
- When debating ideas or presenting research, 'croire' helps convey your stance or the prevailing view.
Les scientifiques croient en cette théorie. (Scientists believe in this theory.)
- Student Self-Assessment
- As a student, you might use 'croire' to talk about your comprehension or readiness.
Je crois avoir bien compris la leçon. (I believe I understood the lesson well.)
§ Hearing 'Croire' in the News
News reports, whether on TV, radio, or online, frequently use 'croire' to attribute beliefs or expectations to individuals, groups, or the general public. It's a way to convey perspectives without necessarily endorsing them as facts.
- Reporting Opinions
- Journalists use 'croire' to state what sources or the public generally think.
Les citoyens croient en un avenir meilleur. (Citizens believe in a better future.)
- Speculation and Forecasts
- When discussing potential outcomes or future events, 'croire' conveys a sense of anticipation or educated guess.
On croit à une reprise économique l'année prochaine. (We believe in an economic recovery next year.)
§ Common Phrases with 'Croire'
Beyond specific contexts, 'croire' is part of many common French expressions that you'll hear in various situations:
Croire à ses rêves: To believe in one's dreams.
Ne pas croire ses yeux/ses oreilles: To not believe one's eyes/ears (meaning to be very surprised).
Se croire: To believe oneself to be (often in a self-important way, but not always).
Il faut croire à ses rêves pour les réaliser. (One must believe in their dreams to achieve them.)
Je n'en crois pas mes yeux! (I don't believe my eyes!)
Il se croit très intelligent. (He believes himself to be very intelligent.)
§ Don't confuse 'croire' with 'penser'
Many English speakers learning French often mix up "croire" (to believe) and "penser" (to think). While they can sometimes overlap in meaning, it's important to understand the subtle differences.
- DEFINITION
- Croire: To believe, to have faith in something or someone, or to accept something as true without necessarily having concrete proof.
Je crois en toi. (I believe in you.)
Elle croit aux fantômes. (She believes in ghosts.)
- DEFINITION
- Penser: To think, to have an opinion, or to consider something mentally.
Je pense que c'est une bonne idée. (I think it's a good idea.)
Que penses-tu de ça? (What do you think about that?)
§ Incorrect prepositions with 'croire'
Another common mistake is using the wrong preposition after "croire." In English, we often say "believe in" or "believe that." In French, it's a bit more specific.
- Croire en: Use "croire en" when you mean to believe in someone or something in a spiritual or trustful sense.
Il croit en Dieu. (He believes in God.)
Nous croyons en ses capacités. (We believe in his abilities.)
- Croire à: Use "croire à" when you mean to believe in something that is a concept, idea, or even a superstition.
Tu crois à l'amour éternel? (Do you believe in eternal love?)
Je ne crois pas aux horoscopes. (I don't believe in horoscopes.)
- Croire que: Use "croire que" when you mean to believe that a statement is true. This is followed by a clause.
Je crois qu'il va pleuvoir. (I believe that it's going to rain.)
Nous croyons qu'elle a raison. (We believe that she is right.)
§ Subjunctive with 'croire que' in negative or interrogative sentences
This is a common stumbling block for learners. When "croire que" is used in a positive, affirmative statement, it takes the indicative mood (regular verb conjugation).
Je crois qu'il est intelligent. (I believe that he is intelligent.)
However, when "croire que" is used in a negative sentence or an interrogative (question) sentence, it expresses doubt or uncertainty, and therefore requires the subjunctive mood for the following verb.
Je ne crois pas qu'il soit intelligent. (I don't believe that he is intelligent. - Subjunctive 'soit')
Crois-tu qu'il soit honnête? (Do you believe that he is honest? - Subjunctive 'soit')
§ Believing vs. Thinking: Croire vs. Penser
When you're learning French, you'll quickly encounter verbs that seem similar but have important distinctions. Croire and penser are two such verbs that both relate to mental processes, but they express different ideas. Understanding when to use each is key to sounding natural in French.
§ Croire: To Believe, To Trust, To Think (with conviction)
As we've discussed, croire primarily means 'to believe' or 'to accept as true'. This can be about religious beliefs, believing a person, or believing in an idea. It carries a sense of conviction or faith.
- DEFINITION
- To have faith in someone or something; to hold an opinion or idea as true, often without definitive proof.
Je crois en toi. (I believe in you.)
Elle croit aux fantômes. (She believes in ghosts.)
Sometimes, croire can also be used to mean 'to think' when you're expressing an opinion or an assumption, especially one you're fairly confident about, even if it's not a hard fact. In this context, it often implies 'I am of the opinion that...' or 'I suppose that...'.
Je crois qu'il va pleuvoir. (I think it's going to rain.)
Nous croyons que c'est une bonne idée. (We think it's a good idea.)
§ Penser: To Think, To Consider, To Reflect
Penser is more generally about the act of thinking, considering, reflecting, or having an opinion. It's less about conviction and more about the mental process itself. It's often used when you're forming an opinion, considering possibilities, or simply stating what's on your mind.
- DEFINITION
- To engage in thought; to form or have an opinion; to reflect or consider.
Que penses-tu de ça? (What do you think of that?)
Je pense à mes vacances. (I'm thinking about my vacation.)
Il pense que c'est possible. (He thinks it's possible.)
§ Key Differences Summarized
To make it clear, here's a quick summary of when to choose which verb:
Use croire for:
Beliefs (religious, supernatural, etc.)
Trust in a person or concept
Expressing a strong opinion or assumption (often 'I am convinced that...' or 'I suppose that...')
Use penser for:
General mental activity (reflecting, considering)
Asking for or giving an opinion (less emphasis on conviction)
Thinking about something (as in 'I'm thinking about...')
§ Common Phrases and Their Nuances
Let's look at a few common phrases to highlight the nuances:
Je crois que oui / Je crois que non: I think so / I don't think so (Often implies a strong leaning or personal conviction.)
Je pense que oui / Je pense que non: I think so / I don't think so (More neutral, simply stating an opinion or consideration.)
Croire en Dieu: To believe in God
Penser à quelque chose: To think about something
The best way to master these is to pay attention to how native speakers use them in context. Listen to French conversations, watch French movies, and read French articles. Over time, the distinction will become more intuitive. Keep practicing, and you'll get it!
How Formal Is It?
"Je crois en vos capacités."
"Je crois qu'il va pleuvoir."
"Tu crois ça, toi ?"
"Maman, je crois aux fées !"
"Tu y crois ou quoi ?"
Guia de pronúncia
- Pronouncing the 'oi' as in 'oil' instead of the 'wa' sound.
Gramática essencial
Croire takes a direct object when it means 'to believe something.'
Je crois la nouvelle. (I believe the news.)
When croire means 'to believe in someone or something,' it's followed by the preposition 'en.'
Je crois en Dieu. (I believe in God.)
To express 'to believe that something is true,' use 'croire que' followed by a clause in the indicative mood.
Je crois qu'il est gentil. (I believe that he is kind.)
When 'croire que' is used in the negative, it's often followed by the subjunctive mood, as doubt is introduced.
Je ne crois pas qu'il vienne. (I don't believe that he is coming.)
Croire can be used reflexively (se croire) to mean 'to believe oneself to be' or 'to think of oneself as.'
Il se croit intelligent. (He believes himself to be intelligent.)
Exemplos por nível
Je crois que c'est vrai.
I believe that it's true.
Tu crois en Dieu?
Do you believe in God?
Il ne croit pas ses yeux.
He doesn't believe his eyes.
Elle croit tout ce qu'on lui dit.
She believes everything one tells her.
Nous croyons à la paix.
We believe in peace.
Vous croyez aux fantômes?
Do you believe in ghosts?
Ils croient que c'est une bonne idée.
They believe that it's a good idea.
Elles croient en l'amour.
They (feminine) believe in love.
Je crois qu'il va pleuvoir aujourd'hui.
I believe it will rain today.
Croire + que + indicative for certainty.
Tu ne me crois pas quand je te dis ça ?
You don't believe me when I tell you that?
Used in interrogative form to express doubt or surprise.
Elle croit aux fantômes depuis qu'elle est enfant.
She believes in ghosts since she was a child.
Croire + à for belief in something or someone.
Nous croyons en un avenir meilleur pour nos enfants.
We believe in a better future for our children.
Croire + en for belief in a concept, ideal, or future.
Vous croyez tout ce qu'on vous dit ?
Do you believe everything people tell you?
Croire + direct object pronoun for believing a statement.
Ils ne croient pas à cette histoire.
They don't believe that story.
Croire + à for disbelief in a specific story or account.
Je crois que c'est une bonne idée.
I think/believe that's a good idea.
Common usage for expressing an opinion or belief.
Crois-moi, c'est la vérité.
Believe me, it's the truth.
Imperative form for urging someone to believe.
Je crois qu'il va pleuvoir aujourd'hui.
I believe it will rain today.
Croire can be followed by 'que' + indicative to express belief.
Tu crois à l'amour au premier regard ?
Do you believe in love at first sight?
When 'croire' means to believe in something's existence, it is followed by 'à'.
Nous croyons en ses capacités à réussir.
We believe in his abilities to succeed.
Similar to the above, 'croire en' is used for believing in someone's qualities or potential.
Elle ne croit pas un mot de ce qu'il dit.
She doesn't believe a word of what he says.
In a negative sentence, 'croire' can be followed by a direct object.
Croyez-vous aux fantômes ?
Do you believe in ghosts?
A polite way to ask about someone's belief in something.
Je crois que c'est une bonne idée.
I think/believe it's a good idea.
'Croire que' can also translate to 'to think that' when expressing an opinion.
Il ne me croit jamais quand je dis la vérité.
He never believes me when I tell the truth.
The pronoun 'me' (to me) comes before the verb 'croit'.
Nous avons cru qu'il était perdu, mais il est rentré sain et sauf.
We believed he was lost, but he came home safe and sound.
Past tense example (passé composé) of 'croire'.
Je crois que le meilleur moyen d'apprendre une langue est de l'utiliser quotidiennement.
I believe that the best way to learn a language is to use it daily.
Here, 'croire que' is followed by the indicative because the belief is presented as a strong possibility or fact.
Elle ne croit pas aux superstitions, elle est très pragmatique.
She doesn't believe in superstitions; she is very pragmatic.
'Croire à' is used when believing in something abstract or an idea.
Nous croyons en sa capacité à réussir cet examen difficile.
We believe in his/her ability to succeed in this difficult exam.
'Croire en' often implies trust or faith in someone or something.
Croyez-vous que le gouvernement prendra des mesures efficaces pour le climat ?
Do you believe that the government will take effective measures for the climate?
When 'croire que' is in an interrogative or negative sentence, it can sometimes be followed by the subjunctive, but here the indicative is used because the question is about a perceived fact or likelihood.
Il faut croire que la chance était de notre côté ce jour-là.
One must believe that luck was on our side that day.
'Il faut croire que' is a common expression meaning 'it seems that' or 'it must be that'.
Je te crois sur parole, tu n'as pas besoin de me prouver quoi que ce soit.
I'll take your word for it; you don't need to prove anything to me.
'Croire quelqu'un sur parole' means to trust someone's word without question.
Malgré les apparences, je crois que son intention était bonne.
Despite appearances, I believe that his/her intention was good.
Again, 'croire que' with the indicative for a firm belief.
C'est difficile à croire, mais il a vraiment réussi à gravir cette montagne sans équipement.
It's hard to believe, but he really managed to climb that mountain without equipment.
'Difficile à croire' is a common idiom meaning 'hard to believe'.
Bien que les preuves soient accablantes, il refuse de croire à la culpabilité de son ami, s'accrochant à l'idée qu'il y a une erreur quelque part.
Despite overwhelming evidence, he refuses to believe in his friend's guilt, clinging to the idea that there's a mistake somewhere.
Croire followed by 'à' when referring to belief in someone/something's existence or quality.
Je suis contraint de croire que cette nouvelle technologie, malgré ses promesses initiales, est en fait une impasse coûteuse.
I am compelled to believe that this new technology, despite its initial promises, is in fact a costly dead end.
Croire followed by 'que' introduces a subordinate clause expressing belief.
Les experts, après une analyse approfondie, sont enclins à croire que les changements climatiques sont irréversibles si des mesures drastiques ne sont pas prises rapidement.
The experts, after thorough analysis, are inclined to believe that climate change is irreversible if drastic measures are not taken quickly.
Être enclin à croire indicates a tendency or inclination to believe.
Quoi qu'il arrive, je continuerai de croire en la capacité de l'humanité à surmonter les défis les plus ardus.
Whatever happens, I will continue to believe in humanity's ability to overcome the most arduous challenges.
Croire en expresses belief in someone's abilities or a concept.
Il est difficile de croire qu'une simple coïncidence puisse expliquer toutes les anomalies observées dans cette affaire complexe.
It's difficult to believe that a simple coincidence can explain all the anomalies observed in this complex case.
Il est difficile de croire que followed by the subjunctive mood is common when expressing doubt or disbelief.
Malgré les doutes persistants, elle a choisi de croire en son intuition et de poursuivre son projet ambitieux, contre l'avis de tous.
Despite persistent doubts, she chose to believe in her intuition and pursue her ambitious project, against everyone's advice.
Croire en son intuition is a common expression.
On pourrait croire que de telles pratiques sont révolues, mais elles persistent malheureusement dans certaines régions du monde.
One might believe that such practices are a thing of the past, but they unfortunately persist in certain parts of the world.
On pourrait croire que indicates a possible, but not necessarily true, belief.
Le détective a du mal à croire que le coupable ait pu échapper à toutes les caméras de surveillance avec une telle facilité.
The detective finds it hard to believe that the culprit could have escaped all the surveillance cameras with such ease.
Avoir du mal à croire expresses difficulty in believing something.
Bien que les preuves soient accablantes, il persiste à croire en l'innocence de son ami.
Although the evidence is overwhelming, he persists in believing in his friend's innocence.
Croire en + nom (to believe in something/someone)
Elle a toujours cru que la persévérance était la clé du succès, et les résultats lui ont donné raison.
She always believed that perseverance was the key to success, and the results proved her right.
Croire que + indicatif (to believe that...)
Peu de gens osaient croire qu'une telle prouesse technologique était réalisable à l'époque.
Few people dared to believe that such a technological feat was achievable at the time.
Croire que + indicatif (to believe that...)
Il est difficile de croire à la sincérité de ses propos après toutes ces contradictions.
It's difficult to believe in the sincerity of his words after all these contradictions.
Croire à + nom (to believe in something/someone)
Nous croyons fermement en la capacité de l'humanité à surmonter les défis les plus complexes.
We firmly believe in humanity's ability to overcome the most complex challenges.
Croire en + nom (to believe in something/someone)
Malgré les doutes initiaux, l'équipe a su croire en son projet et le mener à bien.
Despite initial doubts, the team managed to believe in their project and carry it out successfully.
Croire en + nom (to believe in something/someone)
Il est essentiel de ne pas croire aveuglément tout ce que l'on lit sur internet.
It is essential not to blindly believe everything one reads on the internet.
Croire + adverbe (to believe blindly)
Comment peux-tu croire une histoire aussi invraisemblable, dépourvue de toute logique?
How can you believe such an implausible story, devoid of all logic?
Croire + nom (to believe a story)
Colocações comuns
Frases Comuns
Je crois que oui.
I think so. / I believe so.
Je crois que non.
I don't think so. / I believe not.
Tu me crois ?
Do you believe me?
Je n'y crois pas !
I don't believe it! / I can't believe it!
Il croit tout ce qu'on lui dit.
He believes everything people tell him.
Fais-le croire que tu es malade.
Make him believe you are sick.
Je crois en toi.
I believe in you.
Elle croit aux fantômes.
She believes in ghosts.
On ne doit pas croire tout ce qu'on lit.
One should not believe everything one reads.
Je ne peux pas croire que c'est vrai.
I can't believe it's true.
Frequentemente confundido com
When 'croire' is followed by a person, it means 'to believe' that person or their word. Example: Je te crois. (I believe you.)
When 'croire' is followed by 'en' and a noun, it means 'to believe in' or 'to have faith in'. Example: Je crois en Dieu. (I believe in God.)
In some informal contexts, 'croire' can be used similarly to 'penser' to express an opinion or supposition, though 'penser' is generally more appropriate for 'to think'. Example: Je crois que oui. (I think so/I believe so.)
Padrões gramaticais
Expressões idiomáticas
"Je crois que oui."
I think so; I believe so.
Tu penses qu'il va pleuvoir ? Je crois que oui.
neutral"Je crois que non."
I don't think so; I believe not.
Elle viendra à la fête ? Je crois que non.
neutral"Croire en Dieu."
To believe in God.
Beaucoup de gens croient en Dieu.
neutral"Croire aux fantômes."
To believe in ghosts.
Mon petit frère croit aux fantômes.
neutral"Croire à ses rêves."
To believe in your dreams.
Il faut toujours croire à ses rêves.
neutral"N'en croire pas ses yeux."
To not believe one's eyes; to be astonished.
Quand il a vu le cadeau, il n'en a pas cru ses yeux.
neutral"N'en croire pas ses oreilles."
To not believe one's ears; to be astonished.
Elle n'en a pas cru ses oreilles quand elle a appris la nouvelle.
neutral"Faire croire à quelqu'un que..."
To make someone believe that...
Il a essayé de me faire croire que c'était vrai.
neutral"Je n'y crois pas !"
I don't believe it! (Expressing disbelief or surprise)
Tu as gagné à la loterie ? Je n'y crois pas !
informal"Croire sur parole."
To take someone's word for it; to believe without proof.
Je te crois sur parole, tu n'as pas besoin de me montrer.
neutralFácil de confundir
'Croire' and 'Penser' both relate to mental processes, but 'Penser' implies forming an opinion or considering something, not necessarily accepting it as truth.
'Croire' is about accepting something as true or having faith, while 'Penser' is about reflecting, considering, or having an opinion.
Je pense qu'il va pleuvoir. (I think it's going to rain.)
'Croire' and 'Savoir' can both be translated as 'to know' in some contexts, but 'Savoir' specifically means to have factual knowledge or skills, whereas 'Croire' is about belief.
'Croire' is about belief or faith, while 'Savoir' is about knowing facts, information, or how to do something.
Je sais parler français. (I know how to speak French.)
'Estimer' can mean 'to believe' in the sense of 'to estimate' or 'to judge,' which can overlap with 'Croire' when expressing an opinion, but 'Estimer' is more about evaluation.
'Croire' is to accept as true or have faith. 'Estimer' is to estimate, judge, or consider someone/something to be a certain way.
J'estime qu'il a raison. (I estimate/judge that he is right.)
Similar to 'Estimer', 'Considérer' can be used when forming an opinion or taking something into account, which might seem similar to believing, but it's more about thoughtful deliberation.
'Croire' is to accept as true. 'Considérer' is to think about carefully, take into account, or regard as.
Je considère ton opinion. (I consider your opinion.)
This phrase means 'to trust,' which is related to 'Croire' in the sense of having faith in someone. However, 'Croire' can also be about believing a statement or fact, not just a person.
'Croire' can mean to believe a person or a statement. 'Faire confiance à' specifically means to trust a person.
Je fais confiance à mon ami. (I trust my friend.)
Padrões de frases
Je crois que + [clause]
Je crois qu'il est gentil. (I believe that he is nice.)
Tu crois que + [clause]
Tu crois qu'elle viendra ? (Do you believe that she will come?)
Il/Elle croit que + [clause]
Il croit que c'est une bonne idée. (He believes that it's a good idea.)
Nous croyons que + [clause]
Nous croyons que c'est possible. (We believe that it's possible.)
Vous croyez que + [clause]
Vous croyez que c'est vrai ? (Do you believe that it's true?)
Ils/Elles croient que + [clause]
Elles croient qu'il pleuvra. (They believe that it will rain.)
Je crois en + [noun]
Je crois en toi. (I believe in you.)
Croire à + [noun/idea]
Il croit aux fantômes. (He believes in ghosts.)
Família de palavras
Substantivos
Adjetivos
Como usar
Croire is a regular -re verb, but its conjugation can be tricky for beginners. It means 'to believe' or 'to think'.
- Croire + direct object: When you believe a thing or a person, you use croire directly with the noun or pronoun.
- Je crois cette histoire. (I believe this story.)
- Tu me crois ? (Do you believe me?)
- Croire + que/qu': When you believe that something is true, you use croire que followed by a clause.
- Je crois qu'il est gentil. (I believe that he is kind.)
- Nous croyons que c'est important. (We believe that it is important.)
- Croire en: When you believe in something abstract (like a god, a dream, or an idea), you use croire en.
- Il croit en Dieu. (He believes in God.)
- Elle croit en l'amour. (She believes in love.)
1. Confusing 'croire' with 'penser'. While both can mean 'to think' or 'to believe', 'penser' (to think) is more about having an opinion or forming thoughts, whereas 'croire' is about accepting something as true. 2. Incorrect preposition usage. Remember the difference between croire que (believe that) and croire en (believe in something abstract). 3. Forgetting the subjunctive. In negative or interrogative sentences, croire que often triggers the subjunctive mood for the following verb, especially when expressing doubt or disbelief.
- Je ne crois pas qu'il vienne. (I don't believe he is coming.) - vienne is subjunctive.
Dicas
Basic use of 'Croire'
Start with the most common use: 'Je crois que...' (I believe that...). This is perfect for expressing opinions or what you think is true.
Croire + Person/Thing
When you believe in a person or thing, use 'croire en'. For example, 'Je crois en toi' (I believe in you) or 'Je crois en Dieu' (I believe in God).
Croire + Direct Object
If you are saying you believe something specific (a fact or a story), use 'croire' directly with the object. 'Je crois cette histoire' (I believe this story).
Negative Form: 'Ne...pas croire'
To say you don't believe, use 'ne...pas'. 'Je ne crois pas que...' (I don't believe that...). Remember the 'ne' before the verb and 'pas' after.
Don't confuse 'croire' with 'penser'
While similar, 'croire' is about belief or truth, 'penser' is about thinking or having an opinion. 'Je crois qu'il est honnête' (I believe he is honest) vs. 'Je pense qu'il va venir' (I think he will come).
Asking 'Do you believe?'
To ask someone if they believe something, you can use inversion: 'Crois-tu que...?' or the more common 'Est-ce que tu crois que...?' (Do you believe that...?)
Conjugation of 'Croire'
'Croire' is an irregular verb. Focus on learning the present tense first: je crois, tu crois, il/elle/on croit, nous croyons, vous croyez, ils/elles croient.
Past Tense: Passé Composé
The past participle of 'croire' is 'cru'. So for past events, you'll say 'J'ai cru que...' (I believed that...). This uses the auxiliary verb 'avoir'.
Common expression: 'Je crois'
'Je crois' can often be used like 'I think so' or 'I guess so' in English. It's a useful conversational filler.
'Croire' with subjonctif
When 'croire' is used in the negative or interrogative (e.g., 'Je ne crois pas que...' or 'Crois-tu que...?'), it often triggers the subjunctive mood for the following verb. This is an advanced point to keep in mind, but don't worry about mastering it at A1.
Memorize
Mnemônico
Think of a 'croissant' (a French pastry). If you 'believe' it's delicious, you'll eat it. 'Croire' sounds a bit like 'croissant'.
Associação visual
Imagine a detective trying to 'believe' a suspect's story. The detective is holding a magnifying glass, looking intently. The word 'croire' appears above their head, with a question mark, as they try to ascertain the truth.
Word Web
Desafio
Try to use 'croire' in three different sentences today. For example, 'Je crois que...' (I believe that...), 'Je crois en...' (I believe in...), or 'Tu crois quoi ?' (What do you believe?)
Pratique na vida real
Contextos reais
Expressing belief or opinion
- Je crois que...
- Tu crois que...?
- Nous croyons en toi.
Expressing trust or faith
- Croyez-moi !
- Je ne te crois pas.
- Elle croit en Dieu.
Asking if something is true
- Est-ce que tu crois ça ?
- Ils croient tout ce qu'on leur dit.
- Je ne crois pas aux fantômes.
Expressing doubt or disbelief
- J'ai du mal à le croire.
- Je ne crois rien de tout ça.
- C'est incroyable, je n'y crois pas.
Believing in oneself or others
- Crois en toi !
- Il faut toujours y croire.
- Je crois en mes rêves.
Iniciadores de conversa
"Est-ce que tu crois aux coïncidences ?"
"En quoi croyez-vous le plus fort dans la vie ?"
"Crois-tu que les gens peuvent changer ?"
"Qu'est-ce que tu ne crois absolument pas ?"
"Y a-t-il quelque chose d'important que tu as appris à croire récemment ?"
Temas para diário
Écris sur une fois où tu as cru en quelque chose très fort, et ce qui s'est passé.
Décris quelque chose que tu as du mal à croire, et pourquoi.
Comment le fait de croire en toi a-t-il affecté ta vie ?
Réfléchis à ce que les gens de ta culture croient communément. Y a-t-il des choses que tu ne crois pas ?
Imagine que tu as la capacité de faire croire n'importe quoi à quelqu'un. Que leur ferais-tu croire et pourquoi ?
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasIn the present tense, 'croire' conjugates like this:
Je crois (I believe)
Tu crois (You believe - informal singular)
Il/Elle/On croit (He/She/One believes)
Nous croyons (We believe)
Vous croyez (You believe - formal singular or plural)
Ils/Elles croient (They believe)
Yes, 'croire' can definitely mean 'to think' or 'to suppose,' especially when expressing an opinion or an assumption. For example, 'Je crois que oui' means 'I think so' or 'I believe so.'
While both can mean 'to think,' 'croire' often implies a belief or a less certain opinion, while 'penser' is more about a concrete thought process or a considered opinion. Think of 'croire' as 'to believe/suppose' and 'penser' as 'to think/consider.'
To use 'croire' in a negative statement, you place 'ne' before the verb and 'pas' after it, as with most French verbs. For example: 'Je ne crois pas' (I don't believe) or 'Il ne croit pas que ce soit vrai' (He doesn't believe that it's true).
'Croire' always uses the auxiliary verb 'avoir' in the passé composé. So it's 'J'ai cru' (I believed), 'Tu as cru' (You believed), and so on.
'Croire en' means 'to believe in' something or someone, often in a more profound or spiritual sense. For example, 'Je crois en Dieu' (I believe in God) or 'Je crois en toi' (I believe in you).
'Croire à' typically means 'to believe in' or 'to believe in the existence of' something, especially an idea, a story, or a concept. For example, 'Elle croit aux fantômes' (She believes in ghosts) or 'Je crois à son histoire' (I believe his story).
A common way to say 'I can't believe it!' in French is 'Je n'y crois pas !' or simply 'Je ne le crois pas !' if you're referring to a specific thing.
The past participle of 'croire' is 'cru.' This is used to form compound tenses like the passé composé: 'J'ai cru.'
Yes, a very common one is 'Croire ses yeux' (to believe one's eyes), meaning to be very surprised by something you see. Another is 'Croire dur comme fer' (to believe firmly), meaning to believe something very strongly.
Teste-se 162 perguntas
Je ___ au Père Noël. (I believe in Santa Claus.)
For 'je' (I), the correct conjugation of 'croire' is 'crois'.
Tu ___ en Dieu ? (Do you believe in God?)
For 'tu' (you singular informal), the correct conjugation of 'croire' is 'crois'.
Il ___ en l'amour. (He believes in love.)
For 'il' (he), the correct conjugation of 'croire' is 'croit'.
Nous ___ que c'est possible. (We believe that it's possible.)
For 'nous' (we), the correct conjugation of 'croire' is 'croyons'.
Vous ___ sa version de l'histoire ? (Do you believe his version of the story?)
For 'vous' (you plural or formal singular), the correct conjugation of 'croire' is 'croyez'.
Elles ___ ce qu'il dit. (They (feminine) believe what he says.)
For 'elles' (they feminine), the correct conjugation of 'croire' is 'croient'.
Choose the correct translation for 'Je crois'.
In French, 'Je crois' translates to 'I believe' in English.
Which sentence means 'Do you believe him?'
'Croyez' is the form of 'croire' used with 'vous'. 'Le' refers to 'him'.
Complete the sentence: 'Elle ne ___ pas.' (She does not believe.)
For 'elle' (she), the correct conjugation of 'croire' is 'croit'.
The verb 'croire' means 'to believe'.
Yes, 'croire' directly translates to 'to believe'.
'Nous croyons' means 'We grow'.
'Nous croyons' means 'We believe'. 'Nous grandissons' would mean 'We grow'.
In 'Je crois en toi', 'en toi' means 'in you'.
Yes, 'en toi' is a common phrase meaning 'in you'. So, 'Je crois en toi' means 'I believe in you'.
I believe in you. (Listen for 'crois')
Do you believe it's true? (Listen for 'crois')
He doesn't believe in Santa Claus. (Listen for 'croit')
Read this aloud:
Nous croyons aux fées.
Focus: croyons
Você disse:
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Read this aloud:
Vous croyez qu'il va pleuvoir ?
Focus: croyez
Você disse:
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Read this aloud:
Elles croient en l'amour.
Focus: croient
Você disse:
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Write a short sentence saying what you believe in, using 'Croire'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Je crois en l'amour. (I believe in love.)
Complete the sentence: 'Il ne croit pas...'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Il ne croit pas en moi. (He doesn't believe in me.)
Form a question asking someone if they believe in something, using 'Croire'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Crois-tu aux fantômes? (Do you believe in ghosts?)
What does 'Je crois que c'est une bonne idée' mean?
Read this passage:
Mon ami dit: 'Je crois que c'est une bonne idée.' Il est toujours optimiste.
What does 'Je crois que c'est une bonne idée' mean?
The phrase 'Je crois que' translates to 'I believe that' or 'I think that'. 'C'est une bonne idée' means 'it's a good idea'.
The phrase 'Je crois que' translates to 'I believe that' or 'I think that'. 'C'est une bonne idée' means 'it's a good idea'.
Why doesn't she believe her brother's stories?
Read this passage:
Elle ne croit pas les histoires de son frère. Il invente souvent des choses.
Why doesn't she believe her brother's stories?
The passage states 'Il invente souvent des choses', which means 'He often makes things up'. This is why she 'ne croit pas' (doesn't believe) his stories.
The passage states 'Il invente souvent des choses', which means 'He often makes things up'. This is why she 'ne croit pas' (doesn't believe) his stories.
What is important according to the passage?
Read this passage:
Nous croyons en l'avenir. C'est important d'avoir de l'espoir.
What is important according to the passage?
The sentence 'C'est important d'avoir de l'espoir' means 'It is important to have hope.'
The sentence 'C'est important d'avoir de l'espoir' means 'It is important to have hope.'
This means 'I believe in you.' A common way to express trust.
This translates to 'What do you believe?' or 'What do you think?'. 'Crois-tu' is the inverted form of 'tu crois' for questions.
This means 'She doesn't believe that.' 'Ne...pas' is used to form a negative sentence.
Je ___ au Père Noël quand j'étais petit.
The imperfect tense (croyais) is used for actions that happened repeatedly or for descriptions in the past, fitting 'when I was little'.
Nous ___ que le film était intéressant.
The subject 'Nous' (We) requires the verb 'croire' to be conjugated as 'croyons' in the present tense.
Tu ___ toujours ce qu'il dit ?
The present tense 'crois' is appropriate here for asking about a current habit or belief related to 'tu' (you).
Ils ne ___ pas en sa version des faits.
The subject 'Ils' (They) requires the verb 'croire' to be conjugated as 'croient' in the present tense.
Elle ___ qu'il va réussir son examen.
The subject 'Elle' (She) requires the verb 'croire' to be conjugated as 'croit' in the present tense.
Vous ___ vraiment à cette histoire ?
The subject 'Vous' (You - plural/formal) requires the verb 'croire' to be conjugated as 'croyez' in the present tense.
Choose the correct conjugation of 'croire' for 'Elle'.
'Elle' is a third-person singular pronoun, so the correct conjugation is 'croit'.
Which sentence correctly uses 'croire' in the negative?
In French, object pronouns (like 'te') come before the verb in negative sentences.
What does 'Je crois que oui' mean?
'Je crois que oui' is a common expression meaning 'I believe so' or 'I think so'.
The sentence 'Nous croyez en vous' is grammatically correct.
The correct conjugation for 'Nous' is 'croyons'. The sentence should be 'Nous croyons en vous'.
You can use 'croire' to say 'to believe in God'.
Yes, 'croire en Dieu' means 'to believe in God'.
The past participle of 'croire' is 'croyé'.
The past participle of 'croire' is 'cru'.
Listen to the sentence and understand the meaning related to 'believing' something about the weather.
Listen carefully to whether someone 'believes' a story.
Listen for 'we believe' about a solution.
Read this aloud:
Je crois que c'est une bonne idée.
Focus: crois
Você disse:
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Read this aloud:
Croyez-vous aux contes de fées ?
Focus: Croyez-vous
Você disse:
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Read this aloud:
Elle croit ce qu'il dit.
Focus: croit ce qu'il dit
Você disse:
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Write a short sentence about something you believe in, using 'croire'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Je crois en l'amitié. (I believe in friendship.)
Formulate a question asking if someone believes something, using 'croire'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Crois-tu aux fantômes ? (Do you believe in ghosts?)
Write a sentence saying you don't believe something, using 'ne...pas croire'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Je ne crois pas cette histoire. (I don't believe that story.)
Que croit Pierre ?
Read this passage:
Mon ami Pierre est très optimiste. Il croit toujours que les choses vont s'améliorer, même quand la situation est difficile. C'est pourquoi j'aime passer du temps avec lui.
Que croit Pierre ?
The passage states 'Il croit toujours que les choses vont s'améliorer'.
The passage states 'Il croit toujours que les choses vont s'améliorer'.
Pourquoi personne ne croit Marie ?
Read this passage:
Marie a dit qu'elle avait vu un ovni hier soir. Personne ne la croit. C'est une histoire un peu folle, n'est-ce pas ? Son frère, lui, pense qu'elle a rêvé.
Pourquoi personne ne croit Marie ?
The passage states 'Personne ne la croit. C'est une histoire un peu folle'.
The passage states 'Personne ne la croit. C'est une histoire un peu folle'.
Selon le passage, pourquoi est-il important de croire en soi ?
Read this passage:
Il est important de croire en soi pour réussir. Si tu ne crois pas en tes capacités, comment peux-tu atteindre tes objectifs ? C'est le premier pas vers le succès.
Selon le passage, pourquoi est-il important de croire en soi ?
The passage says 'Si tu ne crois pas en tes capacités, comment peux-tu atteindre tes objectifs ? C'est le premier pas vers le succès.'
The passage says 'Si tu ne crois pas en tes capacités, comment peux-tu atteindre tes objectifs ? C'est le premier pas vers le succès.'
The correct order is Subject (Elle) + Verb (croit) + Preposition (en) + Possessive adjective (ses) + Noun (rêves). 'She believes in her dreams.'
The correct order is Subject (Nous) + Verb (croyons) + Conjunction (que) + Subject pronoun (c') + Verb (est) + Adjective (possible). 'We believe that it is possible.'
The correct order for a question is Subject (Vous) + Verb (croyez) + Object (ce qu'il dit) followed by a question mark. 'Do you believe what he says?'
Choose the correct conjugation of 'croire' for the sentence: 'Nous ______ en sa capacité à réussir.'
For 'nous' (we), the correct conjugation of 'croire' in the present tense is 'croyons'.
Which sentence correctly uses 'croire' to express doubt?
When expressing doubt or negation with 'croire', the verb in the subordinate clause often uses the subjunctive mood, as in 'qu'il vienne'.
Complete the sentence: 'Il est difficile de ______ aux miracles.'
After 'de', an infinitive verb is typically used. So, 'de croire' is the correct form here.
The sentence 'Tu crois qu'il pleuvra demain?' translates to 'Do you believe it will rain tomorrow?'
Yes, 'Tu crois qu'il pleuvra demain?' accurately means 'Do you believe it will rain tomorrow?'.
In 'Elle a cru à ses promesses', 'cru' is the present participle of 'croire'.
'Cru' is the past participle of 'croire', not the present participle. The present participle is 'croyant'.
The phrase 'Je crois en toi' means 'I believe in you.'
'Je crois en toi' is indeed the correct way to say 'I believe in you' in French.
Listen for a prediction about the weather.
Listen for a question about believing in luck.
Listen for a statement about believing in someone's innocence.
Read this aloud:
Je ne crois pas ce que tu dis.
Focus: crois, dis
Você disse:
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Read this aloud:
Ils croient que c'est une bonne idée.
Focus: croient, bonne
Você disse:
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Read this aloud:
Tu y crois vraiment ?
Focus: crois, vraiment
Você disse:
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Imagine you're trying to convince a friend about a new movie. Write a few sentences using 'croire' to express your belief in its quality.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Je crois vraiment que ce film est excellent. Tu devrais le voir, je suis sûre que tu vas l'adorer.
You're discussing a news story with a colleague. Write a couple of sentences explaining what you believe about the situation, using 'croire'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Je crois que la situation est plus complexe qu'il n'y paraît. Il est difficile de croire tout ce qu'on lit.
Write a short paragraph about something you used to believe as a child that you no longer do. Use 'croire' in your response.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Quand j'étais enfant, je croyais au Père Noël. Maintenant, je sais que ce n'est pas vrai, mais j'aime toujours la magie de Noël.
What is the journalist's main challenge?
Read this passage:
La journaliste a interviewé plusieurs témoins. Certains croient que l'histoire est un peu exagérée, tandis que d'autres croient chaque mot. Elle doit décider ce qu'elle va publier. Elle ne peut pas croire à toutes les versions.
What is the journalist's main challenge?
The passage states 'Elle ne peut pas croire à toutes les versions', indicating her challenge is to discern the truth.
The passage states 'Elle ne peut pas croire à toutes les versions', indicating her challenge is to discern the truth.
What is the narrator's opinion about their friend's optimism?
Read this passage:
Mon ami est très optimiste. Il croit toujours que tout va bien se passer, même dans les situations difficiles. Je ne crois pas qu'il soit toujours réaliste, mais j'admire son attitude.
What is the narrator's opinion about their friend's optimism?
The narrator states 'Je ne crois pas qu'il soit toujours réaliste, mais j'admire son attitude.'
The narrator states 'Je ne crois pas qu'il soit toujours réaliste, mais j'admire son attitude.'
According to the passage, what did ancient legends say about the gods?
Read this passage:
Les anciennes légendes racontent que les dieux croyaient en la puissance de la nature. Ils croyaient que les montagnes et les rivières avaient une âme. De nos jours, peu de gens croient à ces mythes.
According to the passage, what did ancient legends say about the gods?
The passage explicitly states 'les dieux croyaient en la puissance de la nature'.
The passage explicitly states 'les dieux croyaient en la puissance de la nature'.
This sentence means 'I believe that you are right.' It follows the common structure for expressing belief.
This sentence means 'She doesn't believe in ghosts.' The 'ne...pas' structure is used for negation.
This sentence means 'Do you believe in eternal love?' It's a question using inversion for formality.
Il faut _______ en tes capacités pour réussir.
Here, 'croire' is used as an infinitive after 'il faut' (it is necessary to).
Je ne peux pas _______ ce que tu me racontes, c'est incroyable !
After a modal verb like 'pouvoir' (can), the second verb is in the infinitive.
Elle _______ fermement en l'importance de l'éducation.
The imperfect tense 'croyait' is used here to describe a continuous or habitual belief in the past.
Si tu _______ en toi, tu peux atteindre tes objectifs.
In a conditional sentence starting with 'Si' (If), the present tense is used in the 'si' clause when talking about a present or future possibility.
Nous _______ que son histoire est vraie malgré les doutes initiaux.
The present tense 'croyons' is used for a current belief.
Vous _______ en la justice, n'est-ce pas ?
The present tense 'croyez' is used for a current belief, addressed to 'vous' (you plural/formal).
Choose the correct conjugation of 'croire' for the sentence: 'Ils ___ au Père Noël.'
The correct conjugation of 'croire' for 'ils' (they) is 'croient'.
Which of these phrases correctly uses 'croire' to express doubt?
'Je crois que non' is the most common and natural way to express 'I don't think so' or 'I believe not'.
Select the sentence where 'croire' is used idiomatically.
'Croire en' (to believe in) is an idiomatic expression often used to express faith or trust in someone's abilities or a concept. The other options are more literal uses of 'croire'.
The sentence 'Je crois qu'il a raison' means 'I believe he is wrong.'
'Je crois qu'il a raison' means 'I believe he is right.'
To say 'I don't believe you' in French, you can use 'Je ne te crois pas.'
'Je ne te crois pas' is a correct and common way to say 'I don't believe you.'
When expressing an opinion with 'croire', it's always followed by the subjunctive mood.
While 'ne pas croire que' (not to believe that) typically takes the subjunctive, affirmative 'croire que' (to believe that) is usually followed by the indicative mood.
Do you really believe that sustainable development is a priority for all governments in the world?
She no longer believes in political promises, having been disappointed too often in the past.
Many people believe that artificial intelligence will radically transform our society in the coming decades.
Read this aloud:
Croyez-vous qu'il soit possible de concilier une carrière exigeante avec une vie de famille épanouie ?
Focus: concilier, exigeante, épanouie
Você disse:
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Read this aloud:
Quand on croit en ses rêves, on est souvent capable de surmonter les obstacles les plus ardus.
Focus: surmonter, obstacles, ardus
Você disse:
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Read this aloud:
Il faut croire que les efforts collectifs peuvent avoir un impact significatif sur les défis mondiaux actuels.
Focus: collectifs, impact, significatif, défis, mondiaux
Você disse:
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Imagine you are discussing a controversial news article with a French friend. Write a short paragraph expressing your skepticism about the article's claims, using 'croire' in a nuanced way to show your doubt without outright calling the article false. Focus on expressing your opinion diplomatically.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Je dois avouer que j'ai du mal à croire tout ce qui est dit dans cet article. Certaines informations me semblent un peu exagérées, et je ne suis pas certain qu'on puisse croire toutes les sources citées. Il faudrait vérifier plusieurs points avant de croire entièrement à ces affirmations. Qu'en penses-tu ?
You are writing a journal entry about a friend who often believes in conspiracy theories. Describe how you try to respectfully challenge their beliefs without being confrontational. Use 'croire' to illustrate their strong convictions and your attempts to introduce doubt.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Mon ami Paul a tendance à croire à des théories un peu folles. J'essaie de ne pas le contredire directement, mais plutôt de lui poser des questions pour qu'il ne croie pas aveuglément à tout ce qu'il lit. C'est difficile de faire changer quelqu'un qui croit si fermement à certaines choses, mais je continue d'espérer qu'il finira par ne plus croire si facilement à ces idées.
Write a short email to a colleague explaining why you believe a new project proposal will succeed, despite some initial hesitations from others. Use 'croire' to express your confidence and conviction.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Cher(e) collègue, je voulais vous faire part de mon optimisme concernant notre nouveau projet. Malgré les doutes de certains, je crois fermement en son potentiel de succès. Je crois que notre équipe a les compétences nécessaires pour relever ce défi, et je crois que les bénéfices dépasseront largement les risques. Je suis convaincu que nous allons réussir si nous y croyons tous ensemble.
Selon le passage, quelle est la perception erronée du bonheur que beaucoup de gens ont?
Read this passage:
La plupart des gens croient que le bonheur est une destination, mais en réalité, c'est un voyage continu. Il est facile de croire que l'argent ou le succès apporteront le bonheur, mais l'expérience nous montre souvent le contraire. Pour vraiment croire au bonheur, il faut l'accepter comme un état d'esprit, pas comme une récompense finale. Ceux qui croient en cette philosophie trouvent plus de satisfaction dans leur vie quotidienne.
Selon le passage, quelle est la perception erronée du bonheur que beaucoup de gens ont?
Le passage indique : 'La plupart des gens croient que le bonheur est une destination, mais en réalité, c'est un voyage continu.'
Le passage indique : 'La plupart des gens croient que le bonheur est une destination, mais en réalité, c'est un voyage continu.'
Qu'est-ce qui est souligné comme essentiel dans la démarche scientifique concernant la croyance?
Read this passage:
Dans le monde de la science, il est crucial de ne pas croire aveuglément aux premières conclusions. Chaque théorie doit être testée et vérifiée maintes fois avant que les scientifiques ne puissent commencer à y croire. Il est important de croire aux données et aux preuves, pas seulement aux hypothèses. Ceux qui refusent de croire aux preuves scientifiques peuvent ralentir le progrès.
Qu'est-ce qui est souligné comme essentiel dans la démarche scientifique concernant la croyance?
Le texte dit : 'Chaque théorie doit être testée et vérifiée maintes fois avant que les scientifiques ne puissent commencer à y croire.'
Le texte dit : 'Chaque théorie doit être testée et vérifiée maintes fois avant que les scientifiques ne puissent commencer à y croire.'
Pourquoi est-il difficile de convaincre tout le monde de croire aux preuves du changement climatique?
Read this passage:
Le changement climatique est un sujet sur lequel beaucoup de gens ont des opinions divergentes. Certains refusent de croire aux conclusions des experts, tandis que d'autres y croient fermement et agissent en conséquence. Il est difficile de faire croire à tout le monde que les preuves sont irréfutables, surtout quand des intérêts économiques sont en jeu. Cependant, il est impératif de croire à la science pour prendre des décisions éclairées.
Pourquoi est-il difficile de convaincre tout le monde de croire aux preuves du changement climatique?
Le passage mentionne : 'surtout quand des intérêts économiques sont en jeu'.
Le passage mentionne : 'surtout quand des intérêts économiques sont en jeu'.
This sentence means 'I don't believe this story.' It uses the common structure for negation in French: 'ne...pas' surrounding the verb.
This translates to 'Do you really believe in his/her innocence?' It demonstrates inversion for a question with 'croire en' (to believe in).
This means 'It is difficult to believe him/it after this.' It shows the use of 'croire' with a direct object pronoun.
Il faut _______ aux miracles pour voir la beauté du monde.
The infinitive form 'croire' is needed after 'il faut'.
Je ne ______ pas à cette histoire invraisemblable.
The correct conjugation for 'je' in the present tense is 'crois'.
Elle _______ que la persévérance est la clé du succès.
The correct conjugation for 'elle' in the present tense is 'croit'.
Nous _______ fermement en l'avenir de ce projet.
The correct conjugation for 'nous' in the present tense is 'croyons'.
Vous _______ en vos capacités, n'est-ce pas ?
The correct conjugation for 'vous' in the present tense is 'croyez'.
Ils ne _______ jamais les promesses non tenues.
The correct conjugation for 'ils' in the present tense is 'croient'.
Focus on understanding complex sentence structures and abstract concepts related to 'believing in a conspiracy' even when evidence is overwhelming.
Listen for nuances in refusing to believe rumors and relying on concrete facts, demonstrating a mature understanding of 'croire'.
Pay attention to how 'believing in a better future' is presented as a crucial element for overcoming current challenges.
Read this aloud:
Comment expliquez-vous le fait que certaines personnes continuent de croire à des théories du complot malgré toutes les réfutations scientifiques ?
Focus: expliquer, certaines, continuent, théories, complot, malgré, réfutations, scientifiques
Você disse:
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Read this aloud:
Discutez de l'importance de croire en soi pour atteindre des objectifs ambitieux dans un environnement compétitif.
Focus: discutez, importance, croire, atteindre, objectifs, ambitieux, environnement, compétitif
Você disse:
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Read this aloud:
Pensez-vous qu'il soit possible de croire en la science et en la spiritualité simultanément, ou y a-t-il une contradiction inhérente ?
Focus: pensez, possible, croire, science, spiritualité, simultanément, contradiction, inhérente
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This sentence expresses disbelief about an event, using the subjunctive after 'croire que' in the negative.
This sentence indicates difficulty in believing someone's promises due to their past actions, using 'croire à' for believing in something.
This sentence describes someone pretending to believe to avoid conflict, highlighting the nuance of 'faire semblant de croire'.
Il est difficile de ___ en l'honnêteté des politiciens après tant de scandales.
The infinitive 'croire' is required after 'de' (of/to) when expressing a general truth or difficulty.
Même confronté à des preuves irréfutables, il a refusé de ___ que son ami était coupable.
The infinitive 'croire' is used here because it is preceded by the verb 'refusé de' (refused to), which requires an infinitive complement.
Pourriez-vous ___ un instant que tout ce que vous pensiez savoir est faux ?
The infinitive 'croire' is used after the auxiliary verb 'pourriez' (could you) to form a compound verb structure.
Après des années d'échec, elle a cessé de ___ au succès de son entreprise.
The infinitive 'croire' is required after the preposition 'de' (of/to) following 'cessé de' (stopped from).
Il faut ___ en ses rêves, même quand la réalité semble les contredire.
The impersonal expression 'il faut' (it is necessary to) is always followed by an infinitive verb.
Malgré les apparences, je continue de ___ que l'humanité a un avenir meilleur.
The infinitive 'croire' is used after the semi-auxiliary verb 'continue de' (continue to).
Choose the most appropriate synonym for "croire" in the context of accepting a widely held but unproven idea.
While 'concevoir' means to conceive or grasp, and 's'imaginer' means to imagine, 'admettre' (to admit, to concede) is the closest synonym to 'croire' when it implies accepting something as true without definitive proof, often due to widespread belief. 'Conjecturer' means to conjecture or surmise.
In a philosophical discussion about faith and reason, which verb best contrasts with 'croire' (to believe based on faith)?
In a philosophical context, 'croire' often implies belief without absolute proof, relying on faith or conviction. 'Savoir' (to know) implies knowledge based on evidence, reason, or certainty, making it the most direct contrast.
Which of the following phrases uses 'croire' in a way that suggests a strong conviction or certainty about a future event?
The phrase 'Je crois à l'importance de l'éducation' expresses a deep conviction in the value of education, indicating a strong, almost unwavering belief. The other options imply a less certain belief (weather prediction), a forgotten item, or a belief in a fictional character.
It is grammatically correct to say 'Je crois en Dieu' to express belief in God.
Yes, 'croire en' is the correct prepositional phrase used to express belief in a deity, a person, or an abstract concept like love or freedom.
The expression 'Je ne crois pas si bien dire' means 'I don't think I'm saying it well at all.'
This is a common idiomatic expression. 'Je ne crois pas si bien dire' actually means 'I think I'm right,' or 'I think I've hit the nail on the head.' It implies that what one has just said is very true or pertinent.
In the sentence 'Il croit savoir la vérité,' 'croit' implies that he definitely knows the truth.
When 'croire' is followed by an infinitive like 'savoir' (to know), it often implies doubt or uncertainty. 'Il croit savoir la vérité' suggests that he *thinks* he knows the truth, but it doesn't mean he *definitely* knows it. There's an underlying implication that he might be mistaken.
Despite appearances, he firmly believed in the possibility of lasting peace.
She always believed that the truth would eventually come out, regardless of the manipulations.
Can you truly believe in the sincerity of his promises after so many past disappointments?
Read this aloud:
Il est difficile de croire que de telles atrocités aient pu se produire en plein 21e siècle.
Focus: croire, atrocités, siècle
Você disse:
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Read this aloud:
Je crois que nous devons redoubler d'efforts pour préserver notre patrimoine culturel.
Focus: crois, redoubler, patrimoine
Você disse:
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Read this aloud:
Si l'on croit les experts, la situation économique mondiale est sur le point de s'améliorer.
Focus: croit, experts, améliorer
Você disse:
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Write a short paragraph (3-4 sentences) about a time you had to convince someone to believe something, even if they were skeptical. Use different conjugations of 'croire' at least twice.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Je me souviens d'une fois où j'ai dû convaincre mon ami que les prévisions météorologiques étaient fausses. Il ne voulait pas me croire au début, mais je lui ai montré les données et il a finalement cru que nous devions changer nos plans. Il m'a dit : « Je te crois maintenant. »
Imagine you are writing a philosophical reflection on the nature of belief. Discuss whether it's always better to believe in something, even without concrete evidence, or if skepticism is more beneficial. Incorporate 'croire' in various forms.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Il est fascinant de considérer la nature de la croyance. Doit-on toujours croire en quelque chose, même en l'absence de preuves tangibles ? Certains diront qu'il est essentiel de croire pour avoir de l'espoir, tandis que d'autres croient que le scepticisme est une approche plus rationnelle. Je crois que l'équilibre entre les deux est souvent le plus sain.
You are a character in a dramatic play. Write a short monologue (4-5 sentences) where you express profound doubt or unwavering faith about a crucial event, using 'croire' to convey your conviction (or lack thereof).
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Comment puis-je croire que tout cela est réel ? Mon esprit refuse d'y croire, même si mes yeux le voient. J'ai toujours cru en la justice, mais maintenant, je ne sais plus quoi croire. Je veux croire qu'il y a une explication, une raison à tout cela, mais le doute persiste.
Selon le passage, quelle est la meilleure approche face aux rumeurs et à la vérité ?
Read this passage:
Malgré les apparences trompeuses, il faut croire que la vérité finira par éclater. Les rumeurs se propagent vite, mais la conviction profonde que la justice prévaudra ne doit jamais être ébranlée. On ne doit pas croire tout ce que l'on entend sans discernement.
Selon le passage, quelle est la meilleure approche face aux rumeurs et à la vérité ?
Le passage indique qu'il ne faut pas croire tout ce que l'on entend sans discernement, et qu'il faut croire que la vérité finira par éclater et que la justice prévaudra.
Le passage indique qu'il ne faut pas croire tout ce que l'on entend sans discernement, et qu'il faut croire que la vérité finira par éclater et que la justice prévaudra.
Qu'est-ce qui est souligné comme un élément clé pour les héros dans les fables ?
Read this passage:
Dans les fables anciennes, les héros doivent souvent faire preuve de courage et croire en leurs capacités pour surmonter des défis insurmontables. Cette croyance inébranlable est ce qui les pousse à persévérer, même lorsque tous les signes indiquent l'échec. C'est un thème universel.
Qu'est-ce qui est souligné comme un élément clé pour les héros dans les fables ?
Le passage indique que la 'croyance inébranlable' en leurs capacités est ce qui pousse les héros à persévérer.
Le passage indique que la 'croyance inébranlable' en leurs capacités est ce qui pousse les héros à persévérer.
Quel paradoxe est mentionné concernant la démarche scientifique ?
Read this passage:
Le scientifique, par nature, est sceptique. Il ne va pas croire une théorie sans des preuves empiriques solides. Cependant, il doit aussi croire en la possibilité de nouvelles découvertes, ce qui alimente sa recherche. C'est un paradoxe intrinsèque à la démarche scientifique.
Quel paradoxe est mentionné concernant la démarche scientifique ?
Le passage décrit le scientifique comme sceptique mais devant aussi 'croire en la possibilité de nouvelles découvertes'.
Le passage décrit le scientifique comme sceptique mais devant aussi 'croire en la possibilité de nouvelles découvertes'.
This sentence means 'I don't believe in ghosts.' The negation 'ne...pas' frames 'crois' (believe), and 'en les fantômes' specifies what is not believed.
This translates to 'Do you believe what she will say is the truth?' The inversion 'Croyez-vous' indicates a question, and 'ce qu'elle dira' is the object of belief.
This means 'We have always believed that perseverance pays off.' 'Nous avons cru' is the passé composé of 'croire', and 'que la persévérance paie' is the belief.
/ 162 correct
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Summary
Croire is a versatile verb for expressing belief, trust, or acceptance of truth.
- Use 'croire' to express belief in something.
- It can also mean to trust someone.
- Commonly used for opinions or religious beliefs.
Basic use of 'Croire'
Start with the most common use: 'Je crois que...' (I believe that...). This is perfect for expressing opinions or what you think is true.
Croire + Person/Thing
When you believe in a person or thing, use 'croire en'. For example, 'Je crois en toi' (I believe in you) or 'Je crois en Dieu' (I believe in God).
Croire + Direct Object
If you are saying you believe something specific (a fact or a story), use 'croire' directly with the object. 'Je crois cette histoire' (I believe this story).
Negative Form: 'Ne...pas croire'
To say you don't believe, use 'ne...pas'. 'Je ne crois pas que...' (I don't believe that...). Remember the 'ne' before the verb and 'pas' after.
Exemplo
Je crois en toi.
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