French Conversation · Level 97
60 words
French word
épargner
Pronunciation
IPA/epaʁɲe/
Meaning
- verbsave
Example
J'épargne de l'argent chaque mois.
I save money every month.
More examples
Il faut épargner pour les imprévus.
It is necessary to save for unexpected expenses.
Core concept
A hand sets something safely aside, either money kept for later or a person kept from harm.
Common phrases
épargner de l'argent
save money
épargner pour la retraite
save for retirement
Similar words
économiser: To save money by cutting unnecessary spending.
mettre de côté: To set aside a fixed amount from daily income.
Definition in French
Mettre de l'argent de côté pour l'avenir ou éviter une dépense; par extension, préserver ou épargner quelqu'un d'un dommage.
Word origin
French épargner comes through Old French espargnier from a Germanic source, and its senses developed from sparing something to setting money aside and protecting someone.
Usage tips
- In the saving sense, épargner usually takes a direct object such as de l'argent, while épargner quelqu'un means to spare someone harm or difficulty.