demander in real spoken French
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Fast, short, and often with « si ».
Real spoken French
In speech the reflexive dominates: « j’me demande », with the e swallowed, is constant. « J’me demande si c’est ouvert. » Written out it looks wrong; spoken it is completely ordinary.
You will also hear « demande pas » — don’t ask — as a weary refusal to explain, exactly like the English. And « ça se demande » means that’s a fair question, worth wondering about.
💡 Focus at this level: Native slang
👨🏫 How to use « demander » at this level
1. « J’me demande » is the normal speed. Practise swallowing the vowel.
2. « Demande pas ! » — no ne, weary tone, means don’t get me started.
3. « Ça se demande » concedes the question is a good one.
J’me demande si c’est ouvert.I wonder if it’s open.
Demande pas !Don’t ask!
Ça se demande.That’s a fair question.
Il m’a rien demandé.He didn’t ask me anything.
🎮 Practise « demander »
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