certain
certain
In French, 'certain' is used similarly to how it is used in English, to express that something is known for sure, without any doubts. It can also be used in the plural form, 'certains', to mean 'some'. It can be used before a noun or on its own, such as 'Je suis certain' which translates to 'I am certain' in English.
Example sentences using: certain
Il a pris un certain nombre de mes livres.
He took a certain number of my books.
None
Je suis certaine que c'était lui.
I am certain it was him.
This sentence uses 'certaine', the feminine form of 'certain', where the speaker is expressing certainty that it was him.
Il y a un certain temps, j'étais un danseur.
There was a time when I was a dancer.
In this context, 'un certain temps' translates to 'a time' or 'once'; it refers to an unspecified period in the past.
J'ai une certaine confiance en lui.
I have a certain confidence in him.
'Certaine' is used here to refer to a definite or specific amount of confidence in him.
Je suis certain de gagner le match.
I am certain to win the match.
In this particular phrase, the speaker is expressing their certainty or confidence of winning the match.
Je suis certain que tu peux le faire.
I am certain that you can do it.
In this example, 'certain' is used to express confidence in the ability of someone else to achieve or do something.
Je suis certain de son amour pour moi.
I am certain of his love for me.
Here, 'certain' is used for expressing assurance or certainty about someone's feelings.
Il a fait une certaine déclaration hier.
He made a certain declaration yesterday.
In this context, 'certaine' is used to refer to a specific or definite act that was done, which is making a declaration in this case.
À une certaine époque, j'étais riche.
At a certain time, I was rich.
Here, 'à une certaine époque' refers to 'at a particular time' or 'once', highlighting an unspecified time period in the past.
Il est certain que tu auras un avenir brillant.
It is certain that you will have a bright future.
In this phrase, 'certain' is used to show assurance or certainty about a fact or event.