Using 'trouver' to express 'to find' and opinions

2020-10-26

The verb trouver (to find) can be used differently depending on context in French.

(1) In French, you often use the verb trouver (to find) in a similar way as the verb penser (to think) to express an opinion, as follows:

Elle trouve qu'elles sont malpolies. = Elle pense qu'elles sont malpolies. (She thinks they're rude.)

Je trouve que c'est dangereux.I think it's dangerous.

Je trouve qu'il a de bons arguments.I think he's got good arguments.

In this context, just like with penser, you can never omit the que ('that').
See Penser que, croire que = To think that, to believe that

(2) You can also use trouver the same way you use 'to find (something to be ...)' in English, as follows:

Je trouve cela fascinant.I find that fascinating.

Je trouve Martha intéressante.I find Martha interesting.

Ils trouvent ces soirées ennuyeuses.They find these parties boring.

ATTENTION:

When using this second structure with object pronouns (i.e. I find me / you / him / her / us / you / them), in French you will use me / te / le / la / nous / vous / les before the verb.

Elle les trouve malpolies.She finds them rude.

Nous la trouvons exquise.We find her exquisite.

Je te trouve dur avec lui.I find you harsh on him.

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Examples and resources

Elle trouve qu'elles sont malpolies.She thinks they are rude.