Verbs

  • loger vs se loger

    “Loger” is a transitive verb meaning to accommodate, house, or provide lodging for someone or something. The subject provides housing to the object. “Se loger” is a reflexive verb meaning to find accommodation, to house oneself, or to settle somewhere. The subject finds or secures housing for themselves. Key structural differences Loger (transitive) This verb…

  • ressasser

    The French verb ressasser means to go over something repeatedly in one’s mind or to keep bringing it up. It describes a mental or verbal repetition, often obsessive or negative. It can refer to thoughts, memories, worries, or conversations that someone cannot let go of. It is a regular -er verb: je ressasse, tu ressasses,…

  • monter dans vs monter à

    French learners often wonder when to use monter dans and when to use monter à. Both can be translated as “to get in” or “to get on,” but their use depends on the type of transport or the situation. Monter dansThe expression monter dans is used when someone goes inside a closed or enclosed vehicle….

  • verbs with à

    Some French verbs require the preposition à before their object, whether that object is a noun or an infinitive. Learning these verbs as fixed expressions is necessary because the preposition is not optional. Verbs followed by “à” before a person or thing These verbs require à when the object is a person or thing. Verbs…

  • penser que

    “Penser que” means “to think that” and introduces opinions, beliefs, or suppositions. Unlike “penser à” (to think about) and “penser de” (to think of/have an opinion about), “penser que” specifically introduces a complete thought or statement that the speaker believes to be true. Basic structure and meaning “Penser que” requires the subjunctive mood in negative…

  • aérer

    The French verb aérer comes from air and means to let air circulate, to ventilate, or to expose something to fresh air. It is an -er verb, conjugated like parler. Its uses extend beyond literal ventilation and include figurative meanings, such as clearing one’s head, or making something lighter and less dense. It is pronounced…

  • to raise

    The English verb “to raise” can mean many different things depending on the context. In French, several verbs are used, including “élever,” “lever,” “augmenter,” “soulever,” and “susciter.” Élever “Élever” is most often used when speaking of raising children or animals. It can also be used for raising plants or even abstract things like the level…

  • to grow

    The English verb “to grow” covers many different meanings. In French, however, several different verbs are used depending on the context. The most common ones are “grandir,” “croître,” “pousser,” “cultiver,” and “faire pousser.” Each is used in different situations. Grandir “Grandir” usually refers to a person, an animal, or sometimes an abstract idea becoming bigger,…

  • to notice

    The English verb “to notice” has several possible translations in French. The right choice depends on the context and the nuance of meaning. Sometimes it means to perceive something with the senses, sometimes to realize or become aware, and sometimes to point out or remark. Remarquer The most common translation of “to notice” is remarquer,…

  • il faut VS devoir

    What is the difference between il faut (it is necessary) and devoir (to have to, must)? The answer is that il faut expresses an impersonal, general, or external necessity, while devoir expresses a personal, specific, or internal obligation. They are not simply interchangeable. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the differences: 1. The Nature of the…