This lesson examines the adjective pressé, meaning to be in a rush or hurry. We’ll also look at two more usages – être pressé de + infinitive, meaning “cannot wait to” and pressé as in pressed or squeezed juice. Presse comes from pressare (to press, squeeze) in Latin.

pressé

to be in rush or hurry, look forward to, pressed/squeezed (juice)

Pronunciation [pʀese]

Pressé – to be in a rush, hurry

Example sentences

For this first sentence, êtes-vous (are you?) is an example of the inversion form of asking questions. Soyez (be!) is être (to be) in the imperative mood.

Pourquoi êtes-vous tellement pressé ? Soyez patient !

Why are you in such a rush? Be patient!

This second sentence uses être pressé de + infinitive, meaning “cannot wait to” or “looking forward to”.

Je suis pressé de revoir mes amis en France.

I can’t wait to see my friends again in France.

Pressé also means pressed or squeezed as in pressed juice. Notice the verb prendre (to take) is used for “I’ll have” in the context of ordering meals.

Je prends un jus d’orange pressé, s’il vous plaît.

I’ll have a squeezed orange juice, please.

Related lessons

• Avoir hâte de – can’t wait

Word of the Day archive | Lessons by David Issokson

David Issokson

David Issokson is a lifelong language learner and speaks over seven languages. Of all the languages he speaks, he's the most passionate about French! David has helped hundreds of students to improve their French in his private lessons. When not teaching or writing his French Word of the Day lessons, David enjoys his time skiing, hiking and mountain biking in Victor, Idaho.

See Full Bio

Sharing is caring!