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

Person	Conjugation
Je	enseigne
Tu	enseignes
Il/Elle/On	enseigne
Nous	enseignons
Vous	enseignez
Ils/Elles	enseignent

Passé Composé

Enseigner is conjugated with avoir in the passé composé.

Person	Conjugation
J’	ai enseigné
Tu	as enseigné
Il/Elle/On	a enseigné
Nous	avons enseigné
Vous	avez enseigné
Ils/Elles	ont 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.”