1. Vocabulary Introduction:
- qui (qui): “Who” or “which.” A relative pronoun used to introduce a relative clause.
- n’ (ne… pas): Part of the negation structure in French, “ne… pas” is used to negate a verb. In this case, it’s contracted to “n'” before a vowel sound.
- attendent (attendre): “Wait” or “are waiting.” From the verb “attendre,” meaning to wait or expect.
- que (que): “Only” or “just.” Used here to limit or specify the extent of the waiting.
- toi (toi): “You.” The stressed form of the second-person singular pronoun.
2. Grammar and Structure:
The phrase begins with “qui,” introducing a relative clause that describes a subject or object mentioned earlier.
“n’attendent” is the negated form of the verb “attendre.” The negation “n’… pas” is split with the verb in between.
“que” is used to emphasize exclusivity, suggesting that the waiting is solely for the person referred to by “toi.”
“toi” is the object of the verb, indicating that the action of waiting is directed towards “you.”
The entire phrase “qui n’attendent que toi” suggests that the subjects of the relative clause are waiting exclusively for the person addressed, emphasizing a sense of expectation or anticipation.
3. Translation and Meaning:
A direct translation would be: “Which are only waiting for you.”
The phrase conveys that the subjects (implied or mentioned earlier) are in a state of waiting, specifically and only for the person being addressed.
4. Conveying Nuance:
This phrase often implies a sense of expectation or anticipation. It can be used in various contexts to express that something or someone is awaiting the attention, arrival, or action of the person being spoken to.