French · Emotions & Descriptions

"Sure (certain)" in French: sûr(e)

sûr(e)

Say it: sewradjective/syʁ/

Sure in French as an adjective is sûr (masculine) or sûre (feminine): tu es sûr ?, je suis sûre. Bien sûr means of course. Write sûr with the circumflex — not only the preposition sur.

Double-checking a time

Tu es sûr que le train part à 18 h ?
Are you sure the train leaves at 6 p.m.?
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How to pronounce sûr(e)

Say it

sewr

/syʁ/

Sûr: sewr (like sir with rounded lips). Sûre: same with a clearer final. Bien sûr: byen sewr.

"Sure (certain)" in French: quick reference

FrenchEnglish
sûrsure (masc.)

Tu es sûr ?

sûresure (fem.)

Je suis sûre.

bien sûrof course

Agreement.

pas sûr / pas sûrenot sure

Doubt.

How to use sûr(e) in real life

  1. 1Double-checking a time

    Tu es sûr que le train part à 18 h ?

    Are you sure the train leaves at 6 p.m.?

    Masculine sûr.

  2. 2Confirming a feeling

    Je suis sûre de mon choix.

    I'm sure of my choice.

    Feminine sûre.

  3. 3Agreeing quickly

    Bien sûr, je viens avec vous.

    Of course, I'll come with you.

    Bien sûr.

Mistakes English speakers make with sûr(e)

Incorrect: Je suis sur de moi.

Correct: Je suis sûr de moi.

The adjective needs the circumflex: sûr.

Incorrect: Elle est sûr.

Correct: Elle est sûre.

Feminine takes sûre.

Good to know

Sur without a circumflex is the preposition on. Texting sûr (sure) from sur (on) matters in writing. Bien sûr is everyday glue in conversation; for soft doubt, say je ne suis pas sûr / sûre.

Try it in a ChatPal conversation

Confirming a restaurant booking

  1. ChatPal

    Tu es sûr pour 20 h ?

    Are you sure about 8 p.m.?

  2. You

    Oui, je suis sûr. J'ai l'email.

    Yes, I'm sure. I have the email.

  3. ChatPal

    Moi je suis sûre aussi on y va.

    I'm sure too—let's go.

  4. You

    Parfait. J'apporte le cadeau.

    Perfect. I'll bring the gift.

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"Sure (certain)" in other languages

FAQ

Common questions about "Sure (certain)" in French

How do you say sure in French?

Sûr / sûre.

What is bien sûr?

Of course.

How is sûr different from sur?

Sûr (with ^) means sure; sur means on.

When do I use sûre?

Feminine subject: je suis sûre.

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