enseigner

ByFast French

The French Verb “Enseigner”

The verb enseigner means “to teach” in French. It is a regular verb from the first group, ending in -er. Depending on the context, it can have different nuances.

Meanings of Enseigner

  1. To teach (a subject or a skill)
    Enseigner is commonly used when referring to teaching a subject or a skill to someone.
    • Il enseigne les mathématiques au lycée. (He teaches mathematics at the high school.)
    • Elle enseigne le piano aux enfants. (She teaches piano to children.)
  2. To instruct or educate someone
    It can also mean to instruct someone in a broader sense.
    • Mon père m’a enseigné la patience. (My father taught me patience.)
    • Ils enseignent aux élèves à respecter les règles. (They teach the students to follow the rules.)
  3. To indicate or show (formal usage)
    In a more formal or literary sense, enseigner can mean to indicate or demonstrate.
    • L’histoire nous enseigne que la paix est fragile. (History teaches us that peace is fragile.)

Conjugation of Enseigner

Present Tense

PersonConjugation
Jeenseigne
Tuenseignes
Il/Elle/Onenseigne
Nousenseignons
Vousenseignez
Ils/Ellesenseignent

Passé Composé

Enseigner is conjugated with avoir in the passé composé.

PersonConjugation
J’ai enseigné
Tuas enseigné
Il/Elle/Ona enseigné
Nousavons enseigné
Vousavez enseigné
Ils/Ellesont enseigné

Etymology

The verb enseigner comes from the Latin insignare, meaning “to mark” or “to imprint a sign.” Over time, its meaning evolved to “to instruct” or “to teach.”

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