entendre
Understanding the French Verb “Entendre”
The French verb entendre is a versatile verb with multiple meanings. While its primary meaning is “to hear,” entendre can also mean “to intend,” “to get on well,” or even “to agree (on),” depending on the context.
1. Meanings of Entendre
First Meaning: To Hear
In its most common usage, entendre means “to hear.”
- Example: J’entends de la musique. – “I hear music.”
Second Meaning: To Intend
Entendre can also mean “to intend” or “to plan.”
- Example: Je comprends bien ce que tu entends faire. – “I understand well what you intend to do.”
Third Meaning (Reflexive): To Get On Well
In its reflexive form s’entendre, entendre means “to get on well” or “to have a good relationship” with someone.
- Example: Ils s’entendent très bien. – “They get on very well.”
Fourth Meaning: To Agree (on)
Entendre can also mean “to agree (on)” something when used in phrases like s’entendre sur (to agree on) or s’entendre pour (to agree to do something).
- Example: Nous nous sommes entendus sur les conditions. – “We agreed on the terms.”
2. Conjugation of Entendre
Here are the present tense and passé composé conjugations of entendre.
Present Tense (Présent)
| Person | Conjugation |
|---|---|
| Je | entends |
| Tu | entends |
| Il/Elle/On | entend |
| Nous | entendons |
| Vous | entendez |
| Ils/Elles | entendent |
Examples in Present Tense:
- J’entends un bruit étrange. – “I hear a strange noise.”
- Ils entendent la télévision. – “They hear the television.”
Passé Composé
Entendre uses avoir as its auxiliary verb in the passé composé.
| Person | Conjugation |
|---|---|
| J’ | ai entendu |
| Tu | as entendu |
| Il/Elle/On | a entendu |
| Nous | avons entendu |
| Vous | avez entendu |
| Ils/Elles | ont entendu |
Examples in Passé Composé:
- J’ai entendu un cri. – “I heard a scream.”
- Nous avons entendu la bonne nouvelle. – “We heard the good news.”
3. Usage Examples
- To Hear: Elle entend les oiseaux chanter. – “She hears the birds singing.”
- To Intend: Que entendez-vous faire ensuite ? – “What do you intend to do next?”
- To Get On Well: Ils s’entendent bien au travail. – “They get on well at work.”
- To Agree (on): Les deux partis se sont entendus pour un compromis. – “The two parties agreed on a compromise.”
4. Etymology of Entendre
The verb entendre comes from the Latin word intendere, which meant “to stretch out” or “to extend.” Over time, intendere evolved to mean “to direct one’s attention to” or “to hear,” leading to the French verb we use today. This etymology highlights the connection between listening attentively and understanding, intending, or agreeing as language evolved.
