être censé

ByFast French

The French phrase “être censé” means “to be supposed.” It is usually followed by a verb in the infinitive. There is no need to use the word “de” or “à” between “être” and “censé.”

The “être” part is usually conjugated in either the present or the imperfect tense.

Note also that “censé” must agree in number and gender with the subject.

  • être censé faire (to be supposed to do)
  • il est censé le faire demain (he is supposed to do it tomorrow)
  • elle était censée le demander (she was supposed to ask for it)
  • ils sont censés savoir (they are supposed to know)
  • les tables sont censées être prêtes (the tables are supposed to be ready)
  • les chiffres sont censés représenter la tendance (the figures are supposed to represent the trend)
  • nul n’est censé ignorer la loi (literally: no one is supposed to be ignorant of the law. Figuratively: ignorance of the law is no excuse).

Don’t confuse “censé” (supposed) with “sensé” (sensible).

Both “censé” and “sensé” sound the same, although their spelling is different. But “sensé” means “sensible.”

  • Quel être sensé sauterait de la tour Eiffel ? (What sensible being would jump from the Eiffel Tower?)
  • Ses propos n’étaient pas sensés (His comments weren’t sensible/What he said wasn’t sensible)

Don’t miss new articles!

Get 1 email a week with new articles about French

We don’t spam! Read more in our privacy policy

Similar Posts

  • verb: fondre

    ByFast French

    The French verb “fondre” means “to melt,” along with a host of other meanings. It’s a useful verb to know if you’re heading into summer temperatures. “Fondre” can mean “to melt,” “to melt down,” “to thaw,” “to thaw out,” “to cast,” “to dissolve,” “to melt away,” “to waste away,” “to soften,” or when used reflexively,…

  • |

    rigolo

    ByFast French

    The French word “rigolo” can be either an adjective (meaning “funny”) or a noun (meaning “a funny person”). The Adjective “Rigolo”: Masculine and Feminine Forms: The masculine singular adjective “rigolo” becomes “rigolote” in the feminine singular in French. Etymology: The word “rigolo” comes from the verb “rigoler,” which means “to laugh” or “to have a…

  • Verb: se souvenir de

    ByFast French

    “Se souvenir de” is the French verb meaning “to remember.” It is a reflexive verb and is always followed by “de,” or preceded by its equivalent “en.” Usage examples of “se souvenir de”: Using “En” to Replace “It” or “Them”: In French, the pronoun “en” is often employed with “se souvenir de” to replace previously…

  • ça fait rien

    ByFast French

    The phrase ça fait rien is a common expression in French that translates literally to “that does nothing” or “that makes nothing.” However, its actual meaning in conversation is more nuanced and idiomatic. It is used to convey indifference, forgiveness, or to downplay the importance of something, much like “it doesn’t matter,” “never mind,” or…