French Phrase
J'attends toujours une réponse.
Meaning
This phrase literally translates to "I wait always a reply." It is used to express that you are still expecting a response to something you've sent or asked, and that the waiting period is ongoing. It implies a certain level of anticipation or perhaps mild impatience.
When to use
Use this phrase when you have sent an email, a letter, or asked a question and have not yet received the expected feedback or answer. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts, depending on your tone and the relationship with the recipient. It can be a gentle reminder or a statement of fact.
✦Grammar Breakdown
J'attendstoujoursuneréponse
J' (Je)
This is the contracted form of 'Je' (I) before a verb starting with a vowel or a silent 'h'. It's the first-person singular subject pronoun.
Attends (Attendre)
'Attends' is the present tense conjugation of the verb 'attendre' (to wait) for 'je' (I) and 'tu' (you singular). It implies an ongoing action.
Toujours
This adverb means 'always' or 'still'. In simple tenses, it typically follows the conjugated verb. It emphasizes the continuity of the action.
Une réponse
'Réponse' is a feminine noun meaning 'reply' or 'answer'. 'Une' is the feminine indefinite article, equivalent to 'a' or 'an' in English.
🗨In Conversation
As-tu des nouvelles de ton entretien d'embauche ?
Do you have any news about your job interview?
Non, j'attends toujours une réponse.
No, I'm still waiting for a reply.
✕Common Mistakes
Je suis en train d'attendre toujours une réponse.
While 'être en train de' means 'to be in the process of', 'attendre' in the present tense already implies an ongoing action. Adding 'en train de' makes it redundant and unnatural.
J'attends une réponse toujours.
The adverb 'toujours' (always/still) typically comes after the conjugated verb in simple tenses, or between the auxiliary and past participle in compound tenses. Placing it at the end sounds awkward.
J'attends toujours un réponse.
The noun 'réponse' is feminine in French, so it requires the feminine indefinite article 'une' instead of 'un'.
↔Alternatives
Je n'ai pas encore eu de réponse.
I haven't received a reply yet.
J'attends de vos nouvelles.
I'm waiting for news from you.
Je suis toujours en attente d'une réponse.
I am still awaiting a reply.
Cultural Tip
In French communication, especially in professional or administrative contexts, it's common to be quite direct. While 'J'attends toujours une réponse' is polite, if you need to be more insistent, you might add a timeframe or a reason. However, avoid being overly demanding, as politeness and respect for hierarchy are highly valued. A follow-up email or call after a reasonable period is generally accepted.