I question the English translation of sûrement

Melody S.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

I question the English translation of sûrement

J'aurai sûrement un quart d'heure de retard

I will probably be fifteen minutes late


Je serai sûrement en retard d'un quart d'heure.

I will probably be fifteen minutes late.


Checking online at Larousse etc., I don't see that "sûrement" means "probably".  "Probably" introduces doubt.  Why not use "surely" or "certainly"?  


Or for the French, "probablement"?  Which does seem to mean "probably".


Asked 2 years ago
CélineKwiziq team memberCorrect answer

Bonjour Melody,

After discussing these two examples with the French team, we've amended them to include "probablement". However, be aware that there is a nuance that dictionaries don't always explain with regards to the difference between "sûrement / probablement" and "surely / probably". In French, "sûrement" isn't as strong as the English "surely" and therefore, "probably" will be best suited.

I hope this is helpful.

Bonne journée !

Melody S.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

p.s., I tried to edit this to take out all the extra spaces, but this doesn't seem to have taken.  Alas.

Melody S.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

Celine, thanks very much for your reply.  It was very helpful to learn more about the subtleties of French vs. English.  

I question the English translation of sûrement

J'aurai sûrement un quart d'heure de retard

I will probably be fifteen minutes late


Je serai sûrement en retard d'un quart d'heure.

I will probably be fifteen minutes late.


Checking online at Larousse etc., I don't see that "sûrement" means "probably".  "Probably" introduces doubt.  Why not use "surely" or "certainly"?  


Or for the French, "probablement"?  Which does seem to mean "probably".


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