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

  • where

    ByFast French

    Most French learners are familiar with the word for “where,” which is “où.” But how do you say “somewhere,” “nowhere,” “anywhere,” “everywhere,” “elsewhere,” and similar words?

  • du baratin

    ByFast French

    The French expression du baratin refers to speech that is empty, exaggerated, or intended to persuade without substance. It is often used to describe someone who talks a lot to impress, mislead, or charm, but says little of real value. The phrase is informal and common in everyday French. It carries a mildly critical or…

  • depending on

    ByFast French

    English uses “depending on” in many ways. It can mean “according to”, “based on”, “if this changes”, or “in relation to”. French does not use one fixed phrase for all these cases. The best choice depends on what follows, and on the kind of link between the two parts of the sentence. The most common…

  • more than

    ByFast French

    The English phrase “more than” is commonly used for comparisons, but translating it into French requires attention to context. Specifically, the translation changes depending on whether “more than” is followed by a person or a countable noun. 1. “More than” + a Countable Noun When “more than” is followed by a countable noun, or a…

  • sur-le-champ

    ByFast French

    Sur-le-champ is a common French adverbial expression meaning “immediately” or “at once.” It appears in both spoken and written French and conveys urgency, expectation of quick compliance, or a prompt reaction. It is slightly formal but remains widely used. Meaning and register Sur-le-champ expresses the idea of doing something without delay. In tone, it is…