Level A2 (Upper Beginner)
Today’s French Word of the Day is “se trouver,” a reflexive verb meaning “to be located. In the non-reflexive form, trouver means “to find”.
Meaning
Pronunciation
Example sentences
Meaning
“Se trouver” is a reflexive French verb meaning “to be located”, “to be situated” or “to be.” It literally translates to “is found” and is distinct from “trouver” (to find).
Pronunciaton
Example sentences
For this first example, se trouve can translate to “is located”, “is situated”, “is” and “lies”.
La banque se trouve au coin de ces deux rues.
The bank is located at the corner of these two streets.
This sentence uses savoir, which means “to know” in the context of facts. This lesson explains savoir vs. connaître, which both mean to know.
Est-ce que tu sais où se trouve la Martinique ? – Regarde l’atlas !
Do you know where Martinique is located? Look at the atlas!
The impersonal expression il se trouve que means “it happens that”.
Il se trouve que je ne suis pas libre demain. Désolé, je n’y serai pas.
It happens that I’m not free tomorrow. Sorry, I won’t be there.
In another context, se trouver means “to find yourself” or “to think you look”. For example, “Je me trouve plus belle avec les cheveux longs.” (I find myself more beautiful with long hair).
Related lessons
Reference
