French Phrase
Non, je suis avec ma famille.
Meaning
This phrase is a direct and polite way to decline an invitation or state your current company. It literally means "No, I am with my family," indicating that your current engagement is with your family. It's a common and natural response in French.
When to use
You would use this phrase when someone asks if you're alone, if you're available to do something, or if they invite you somewhere, and you want to politely decline because you are already with your family. It implies you are occupied or committed to spending time with them.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Non,jesuisavecmafamille.
Non
Non means "no" and is a fundamental negative response in French. It's often followed by a comma when used at the beginning of a sentence.
Je suis
Je suis is the first-person singular conjugation of the verb être (to be). It means "I am" and is essential for expressing states of being or current situations.
Avec
Avec means "with" and is a common preposition used to indicate accompaniment or association.
Ma famille
Ma famille means "my family." Ma is the feminine singular possessive adjective for "my," used because famille (family) is a feminine noun.
🗨In Conversation
Tu es libre ce soir pour un verre ?
Are you free tonight for a drink?
Non, je suis avec ma famille.
No, I am with my family.
✕Common Mistakes
Non, j'ai avec ma famille.
Avoir (to have) is incorrectly used instead of être (to be) for stating one's presence or company.
Non, je suis avec mon famille.
Famille is a feminine noun, so the possessive adjective should be ma (my) not mon.
↔Alternatives
Non, je suis déjà pris(e).
No, I'm already taken/busy.
Non, je suis accompagné(e).
No, I'm accompanied.
Non, je suis avec des amis.
No, I'm with friends.
Cultural Tip
In French culture, family is often highly valued, and spending time with family is a common and respected reason to decline other engagements. This phrase is generally well-received as a polite and understandable explanation. It's a good way to show respect for your family commitments.