Waiting without ‘pour’

One of the first things learners notice is that “attendre” does not need the preposition “pour” after it. A common mistake is to say “J’attends pour le bus” as a direct translation of “I am waiting for the bus”. However, French is actually more concise here.

Instead, simply conjugate the verb and follow it with the article and noun. It might help to think of “attendre” as meaning “to await”, which makes the structure feel more natural.

Examples:

✔ J’attends le bus. (I’m waiting for / I await the bus.)
✔ Elle attend son ami. (She’s waiting for her friend.)

Expect the Unexpected!

“Attendre” is not just about waiting; it also conveys expectation. When you are eagerly anticipating something, this verb comes in handy.

✔ J’attends avec impatience le week-end. (I’m looking forward to the weekend eagerly.)
✔ Ils attendent leur repas avec appétit. (They’re eagerly awaiting their meal.)

Interestingly, “attendre” is also used when talking about pregnancy:

✔ J’attends un enfant / un bébé. (I’m expecting a child / a baby.)

Keeping Someone Waiting

We have all experienced the frustration of being left waiting. In French, this is expressed using “faire attendre quelqu’un” – literally, “to make someone wait”.

✔ Ne me fais pas attendre trop longtemps ! (Don’t keep me waiting too long!)
✔ Il aime faire attendre les autres. (He likes to keep others waiting.)

Everyday Expressions with “Attendre”

French is full of useful expressions using “attendre”. Here are some that you might find handy:

• “Attendre son tour” – Wait for one’s turn.
• “Tu peux toujours attendre !” – You’ll be lucky! (Ironic, meaning it’s not going to happen.)
• “Attendez voir !” – Let’s see!
• “Faites-le sans attendre !” – Do it straight away!
• “Attendez un instant.” – Hang on a minute.
• “En attendant” – In the meantime / meanwhile…

“Attendre” in the Reflexive Form

Did you know that “attendre” can also be used reflexively? When used as “s’attendre à”, it means “to expect” something to happen. This changes the meaning slightly from simply waiting to having an anticipation or assumption about an event.

✔ Je m’attends à une réponse rapide. (I expect a quick response.)
✔ Ils s’attendaient à une surprise. (They were expecting a surprise.)
✔ Tu t’attendais à quoi ? (What were you expecting?)

This is particularly useful when expressing assumptions or disappointments, making it a valuable phrase to add to your French vocabulary.

What Are Your Favourite Expressions with “Attendre”?

Language is best learned through practice and conversation. Do you have a favourite phrase or expression using “attendre”? Share it in the comments below!