Question 1

Why is 'strolling' translated as qui déambulent instead of a French word ending in '-ant'?

Accepted Answer

After perception verbs like regarder, voir, or entendre, English naturally uses an '-ing' verb to describe an ongoing action. In French, it is grammatically incorrect to use the present participle (déambulant) here. Instead, you use a relative clause with qui followed by a conjugated verb (qui déambulent).

Question 2

Could I use the infinitive and say Je regarde les gens déambuler instead?

Accepted Answer

Yes, absolutely! Perception verbs in French can take either the qui structure or an infinitive. Both are perfectly natural. The qui structure puts a slight emphasis on the subjects doing the action in that specific moment, while the infinitive (déambuler) focuses a bit more on the action itself as a whole. In everyday use, they are practically interchangeable.

Question 3

Is déambuler a common word? How does it differ from se promener?

Accepted Answer

Déambuler means to stroll, wander, or amble aimlessly. While se promener is the standard, everyday word for 'to go for a walk', déambuler paints a more specific picture of people leisurely weaving through a space without a rush or a fixed destination, making it the perfect verb for walking around a market.

Question 4

The word stands looks like English. Does it mean the exact same thing?

Accepted Answer

Not exactly. While it is an English loanword, in French un stand specifically refers to a booth, stall, or kiosk, like those at a farmer's market, a trade show, or a funfair. It doesn't mean the grandstands at a sporting event (which would be les gradins).

Je regarde les gens qui déambulent entre les stands.

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