s'étonner de
§ What 's'étonner de' means
- Definition
- To be surprised by something.
The French verb s'étonner de is a reflexive verb, which means it always uses a reflexive pronoun (me, te, se, nous, vous, se). It literally translates to 'to surprise oneself of' or 'to be surprised by'. This is a common way to express surprise in French, and it's quite versatile. You'll hear it in many contexts, from casual chats to more formal discussions.
§ Using s'étonner de at work
In a professional setting, you might use s'étonner de to express surprise about a decision, a result, or a situation. It can be used politely to show that something is unexpected without necessarily being negative. Here are some examples:
- To express surprise about a new company policy:
Je m'étonne de cette nouvelle directive.
(I am surprised by this new directive.)
- When a project outcome is different from what was expected:
Nous nous étonnons des résultats si rapidement obtenus.
(We are surprised by the results obtained so quickly.)
- If a colleague does something out of character:
Il s'étonne de son silence inhabituel.
(He is surprised by her unusual silence.)
§ Using s'étonner de at school
In an academic setting, s'étonner de can be used by students and teachers alike to express surprise regarding assignments, grades, or new concepts. It's a useful phrase for discussing unexpected developments in your studies.
- A student might use it if they receive an unexpected grade:
Je m'étonne de ma bonne note en maths.
(I am surprised by my good grade in math.)
- A teacher might express surprise at a student's rapid progress:
Elle s'étonne de la vitesse à laquelle il apprend.
(She is surprised by the speed at which he learns.)
- When an exam question is particularly challenging or unexpected:
Nous nous étonnons de la difficulté de l'examen.
(We are surprised by the difficulty of the exam.)
§ Using s'étonner de in the news
News reports and articles often use s'étonner de to convey a sense of surprise or astonishment at events, statistics, or political decisions. It adds a nuanced touch to reporting, suggesting that something is noteworthy because it deviates from the norm.
- When reporting on unexpected economic figures:
Les analystes s'étonnent de la résilience du marché.
(Analysts are surprised by the market's resilience.)
- Regarding a surprising political outcome:
On s'étonne de la décision du gouvernement.
(One is surprised by the government's decision.)
- About an unusual weather pattern:
Les météorologues s'étonnent de la douceur de l'hiver.
(Meteorologists are surprised by the mildness of the winter.)
Colocações comuns
Frases Comuns
Je m'étonne de son silence.
I'm surprised by his silence.
Elle s'étonne de tout.
She's surprised by everything.
Nous nous étonnons de la nouvelle.
We are surprised by the news.
Tu t'étonnes de ma réaction ?
Are you surprised by my reaction?
Il ne s'étonne de rien.
He's not surprised by anything.
On s'étonne souvent de l'ingéniosité des enfants.
We are often surprised by children's ingenuity.
Vous vous étonnez de son départ ?
Are you surprised by his departure?
Je m'étonne qu'il soit si calme.
I'm surprised that he's so calm.
Ne t'étonne pas de son attitude.
Don't be surprised by his attitude.
Ils s'étonnent de la facilité avec laquelle il a réussi.
They are surprised by the ease with which he succeeded.
Conteúdo relacionado
Mais palavras de emotions
à contrecœur
B1Against one's will; reluctantly.
à fleur de peau
B1Oversensitive; easily affected emotionally.
à la fois
B1At the same time; simultaneously.
à l'aise
A2Feeling comfortable, relaxed, or at ease.
à regret
B1With regret; reluctantly.
abandon
B1The action or fact of abandoning someone or something; abandonment (can be emotional).
abasourdi
B1Stunned, dumbfounded, greatly astonished or shocked.
abattement
A2A state of extreme dejection; despondency.
abattu
A2In low spirits; disheartened; dejected.
abominable
B1Causing moral revulsion; detestable.
