The word “même” holds multiple meanings and can be used in various contexts. we will explore fifteen ways to use “même” in French, providing examples and explanations for each usage.
- On a les même goûts
We have the same tastes - Même moi je suis choqué
Even Iam chocked - C’est Toujours la même chose
It’s always the same - Elle-même, lui-même
Herself, Himself - Même pas!
Not even!
Même as "same"
“Même” can function as an adjective meaning “same.” It emphasizes that two or more things are identical or equal.
Example:
- Les jumeaux ont les mêmes cheveux. (The twins have the same hair.)
Même as "very"
“Même” can also be used as an adjective to indicate intensity or emphasis, similar to the English word “very.”
Example:
- C’était une soirée même extraordinaire ! (It was a truly extraordinary evening!)
Même as an Adverb
Même as "even"
“Même” serves as an adverb to express the idea of “even” or “also.” It adds emphasis to a statement by indicating that something unexpected or surprising is true.
Example:
- Il a mangé tous les bonbons, même ceux au citron ! (He ate all the candies, even the lemon ones!)
Même as "still"
“Même” can function as an adverb meaning “still.” It is used to convey a sense of continuity or persistence.
Example:
- Je l’aime toujours, même après toutes ces années. (I still love him/her, even after all these years.)
Même as a Pronoun
Même as "oneself"
As a pronoun, “même” can refer to oneself, emphasizing self-identity or self-reliance.
Example:
- Elle s’est préparée pour la fête toute seule, elle n’a besoin de personne d’autre. Elle peut tout faire par elle-même. (She prepared for the party all by herself, she doesn’t need anyone else. She can do everything by herself.)
Même as "the same"
“Même” can also function as a pronoun meaning “the same.” It refers back to a previously mentioned noun or idea.
Example:
- J’ai une voiture rouge, et toi ? – Moi aussi, j’ai la même ! (I have a red car, and you? – Me too, I have the same one!)
Même as an Adverbial Phrase
Même que
The expression “même que” is used as an adverbial phrase to introduce a consequence or result that is unexpected or surprising.
Example:
- Il a travaillé toute la nuit, même qu’il était malade. (He worked all night, even though he was sick.)
Du même coup
The phrase “du même coup” means “at the same time” or “in one fell swoop.” It suggests accomplishing multiple things simultaneously.
Example:
- J’ai nettoyé ma chambre et fait mes devoirs du même coup. (I cleaned my room and did my homework at the same time.)
Même as a Conjunction
Même si
“Même si” is a conjunction used to introduce a conditional clause or a hypothetical situation.
Example:
- Même si tu as peur, essaie quand même. (Even if you are scared, still try.)
Tout de même
The expression “tout de même” means “nevertheless” or “still.” It is used to acknowledge a contrary idea or opinion.
Example:
- Je n’étais pas d’accord, mais je l’ai aidé tout de même. (I didn’t agree, but I still helped him/her.)
Même as an Exclamation
“Même” can be used as an exclamation to express surprise, disbelief, or emphasis.
Example:
- Même ! (Wow!)
- Même ? (Really?)
Même as an Intensifier
“Même” serves as an intensifier to reinforce the meaning of an adjective or adverb.
Example:
- C’est même beau ! (It’s really beautiful!)
- Il court très vite, même trop vite ! (He runs very fast, even too fast!)
Même as a Comparative Marker
“Même” can function as a comparative marker, indicating that the compared elements share a similar quality.
Example:
- Il est grand, même plus grand que son frère. (He is tall, even taller than his brother.)
Même as a Restriction Marker
“Même” acts as a restriction marker, limiting or specifying the scope of something.
Example:
- Les adultes même peuvent participer. (Even adults can participate.)
- Les fruits mûrs même doivent être consommés rapidement. (Even ripe fruits should be consumed quickly.)
Même as a Contrast Marker
“Même” can be used as a contrast marker, introducing a contrasting idea or viewpoint.
Example:
- J’ai tout essayé, même les méthodes les plus radicales. (I tried everything, even the most radical methods.)
- Il est jeune, même s’il a beaucoup d’expérience. (He is young, even though he has a lot of experience.)
Même as a Temporal Marker
Même” serves as a temporal marker, indicating that two events occur at the same time.
Example:
- Il est parti à midi même. (He left at exactly noon.)
Même as a Condition Marker
“Même” can function as a condition marker, introducing a condition that needs to be fulfilled.
Example:
- Même si tu travailles dur, tu ne réussiras pas toujours. (Even if you work hard, you won’t always succeed.)
Même as an Alternative Marker
“Même” acts as an alternative marker, presenting alternatives or choices.
Example:
- Tu peux choisir la pizza ou même les pâtes. (You can choose the pizza or even the pasta.)
Même as a Filler Word
“Même” can be used as a filler word in informal speech, similar to “like” or “you know” in English.
Example:
- Alors, tu vois, j’étais dans la rue, et puis, même, j’ai vu mon ami. (So, you know, I was in the street, and then, like, I saw my friend.)
Même in Idiomatic Expressions
“Même” appears in various idiomatic expressions, adding emphasis or reinforcing a statement.
Example:
- C’est du pareil au même. (It’s all the same.)
- Avoir le même sang dans les veines. (To have the same blood running through one’s veins, meaning to be closely related.)
FAQs
Q1. Is “même” always used as an adjective in French?
No, “même” can function as an adjective, adverb, pronoun, adverbial phrase, conjunction, or even as an exclamation…
Q2. Are there any idiomatic expressions that include “même”?
Yes, “même” is present in various idiomatic expressions. One example is “avoir le même sang dans les veines” (to have the same blood running through one’s veins), which means to be closely related.
Q3. Can “même” be used in formal writing?
Yes, “même” can be used in formal writing, but its usage should be appropriate to the context. It is important to consider the tone and register of the text.
Q4. Is there a feminine or masculine form of “même”?
No, “même” does not change its form based on gender. It remains the same regardless of the noun it refers to.
Q5. Can “même” be used in negative sentences?
Yes, “même” can be used in negative sentences to reinforce the negation or add emphasis. It can convey the meaning of “not even.”
Q6. Can “même” be used as a standalone exclamation?
Yes, “même” can be used as a standalone exclamation to express surprise or emphasis.
Q7. Is “même” always used as an intensifier?
No, “même” can have various functions beyond being an intensifier, depending on the context.
Q8. Is “même” gender-specific in French?
No, “même” does not change its form based on gender. It remains the same regardless of the noun it refers to.
