French Phrase
J'ai peur qu'on me rejette.
Meaning
The speaker expresses a personal fear that they might be rejected by others. It conveys anxiety about a possible negative outcome, such as being turned down for a job, a relationship, or an opportunity.
When to use
Use this sentence when you want to voice a specific fear of rejection—e.g., before a job interview, after sending a love letter, or when applying for a scholarship. It is more formal than everyday slang and fits both spoken and written French.
✦Grammar Breakdown
J'aipeurqu'onmerejette
Avoir peur que + Subjunctive
After the expression 'avoir peur que', the verb in the subordinate clause must be in the subjunctive mood to express uncertainty or fear.
Subjunctive of 'rejeter'
The present subjunctive of 'rejeter' is 'rejette' (je/tu/il/elle/on rejette).
Pronoun placement
The object pronoun 'me' is placed before the verb in the subordinate clause.
Indefinite subject 'on'
'On' is used as an indefinite pronoun meaning 'they' or 'people in general' and triggers the same verb agreement as 'il/elle'.
🗨In Conversation
J'ai peur qu'on me rejette.
I'm afraid they'll reject me.
Ne t'inquiète pas, tu as bien préparé ton dossier.
Don't worry, you prepared your file well.
✕Common Mistakes
J'ai peur que on me rejette.
After 'avoir peur', the subordinate clause must start with 'qu'' (contraction) and trigger the subjunctive, not the indicative.
J'ai peur que je suis rejeté.
Use the subjunctive form 'rejette' instead of the indicative 'je suis rejeté'.
J'ai peur que on me rejeter.
The infinitive cannot follow 'avoir peur que'; you need the subjunctive conjugation.
↔Alternatives
Je crains qu'on me rejette.
I fear that they'll reject me.
J'ai peur d'être rejeté(e).
I'm afraid of being rejected.
Je redoute d'être rejeté(e).
I dread being rejected.
Cultural Tip
In French, the subjunctive is mandatory after expressions of fear, doubt, or emotion like 'avoir peur que'. Avoid the common mistake of using the indicative ('J'ai peur que on me rejette' or 'J'ai peur que je suis rejeté'). Also, 'on' is a neutral, everyday way to refer to 'people' or 'they' and is preferred over the more formal 'ils' in spoken French.