même
even
The French word 'même' translates to 'even' in English. It can be used in several contexts, including talking about equality ('even number'), surprise, or emphasis. For instance, 'J'ai même pas faim' translates to 'I am not even hungry'. A distinguishing feature to bear in mind is, unlike English, French does not use 'même' to refer to 'even' in the context of alternation such as 'every other day'.
Example sentences using: même
J'ai acheté le même livre.
I bought the same book.
In this context, 'même' is used to express similarity between two objects. It is equivalent to 'same' in English.
Il est toujours le même.
He is always the same.
'Même' is used here to indicate that a person's nature or behavior has not changed. It denotes consistency or lack of change.
Je peux faire moi-même.
I can do it myself.
In this sentence, 'même' means 'myself'. It is used to express that the speaker can do something without anyone's help.
C'est l'heure même de partir.
It's the exact time to leave.
Here, 'même' is used to highlight precision in time, similar to the phrase 'exact time' in English.
Nous habitons dans la même ville.
We live in the same city.
In this sentence, 'même' is used to express similarity in a specific trait or characteristic of something, in this case the place of residence.
Elle peut venir elle-même.
She can come herself.
'Même' is used in this context to mean 'herself', emphasizing that no one else will or needs to come instead of her.
Nous avons les mêmes idées.
We have the same ideas.
'Même' is used in this sentence to show similarity or agreement in thoughts or ideas, in this case between 'us'.
J'ai lu ce livre deux fois, c'était le même plaisir.
I've read this book twice, it was the same pleasure.
In this context, 'même' is used to express that the level of enjoyment did not change between the readings.
Je suis capable de faire la même chose.
I'm capable of doing the same thing.
Here, 'même' signifies similarity, meaning that the speaker can do the same action or task as someone else.
Il porte toujours la même veste.
He always wears the same jacket.
'Même' is used to indicate that it's always the same object being used or worn, implying no variance or change in the person's attire.