Level A2 (Upper Beginner)
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. Today you’ll learn:
Pronunciation
Example sentences
Pronunciation
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.
Word origin
Presse comes from pressare (to press, squeeze) in Latin.
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