A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "I'll think about it" in French
A polite way to defer a decision in a French shop without saying no directly.
J'y réfléchirai.
zhee ray-fleh-shee-RAYneutral
French TTS · 0:01
Use this when a salesperson shows you something and you're not ready to buy, but don't want to be rude. It gives you time to consider without committing.
Alternatives
- Je vais y penser.Slightly more common and a bit more casual.
- Je vais réfléchir.A bit more direct, less emphasis on 'about it'.
Ways to get it wrong
Pronouncing 'réfléchirai'
The 'é' is like the 'ay' in 'say', and the final 'i' is pronounced.
Forgetting 'y'
The 'y' means 'about it' or 'to it'; leaving it out changes the meaning.
A small cultural note
French shoppers often appreciate a moment to consider, and this phrase is a standard way to signal that without closing the door entirely.
The same phrase in other languages
Frequently asked
How to say I need to think about it in French?
The most common way is 'J'y réfléchirai.' This literally means 'I will reflect on it.'
Is 'J'y réfléchirai' polite in French?
Yes, it's a polite and standard way to defer a decision in a shop. It's less abrupt than a direct 'non'.
What's a more casual way to say 'I'll think about it' in French?
A slightly more casual option is 'Je vais y penser.' It's very similar in meaning and use.
