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.
See also the more advanced Using Le Subjonctif after penser, trouver. savoir, croire, prétendre + que in the negative
Learn more about these related French grammar topics
Examples and resources
Elle trouve qu'elles sont malpolies.
She thinks they are rude.
Ils trouvent ces soirées ennuyeuses.
They find these parties boring.
Je trouve qu'il a de bons arguments.
I think he's got good arguments.
Je trouve Martha intéressante.
I find Martha interesting.
Il trouve que c'est une belle maison.
He finds that it's a beautiful house.
Je trouve cela fascinant.
I find that fascinating.
Je trouve que c'est dangereux.
I think it's dangerous.
Je te trouve dur avec lui.
I find you harsh on him.
Elle les trouve malpolies.
She finds them rude.
Nous la trouvons exquise.
We find her exquisite.
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Laura
Kwiziq language super star
7/08/16
John
Kwiziq community member
23 April 2017
4 replies
So when should we use trouver and when to use penser?
Are they completely interchangeable?
John
Kwiziq community member
23 April 2017
23/04/17
Gruff
Kwiziq language super star
23 April 2017
23/04/17
John
Kwiziq community member
23 April 2017
23/04/17
Gruff
Kwiziq language super star
23 April 2017
23/04/17