French word

changer

Pronunciation

IPA/ʃɑ̃ʒe/

Meaning

  • verbchange

Example

Il faut changer l'ampoule.

The light bulb needs to be changed.

Illustration for changer (change)

More examples

J'ai changé d'avis après la réunion.

I changed my mind after the meeting.

Core concept

A hand takes one object out and puts another in, or turns the same object into a new condition.

Common phrases

  • changer d'avis

    change one's mind

  • changer l'ampoule

    change the light bulb

  • changer de train

    change trains

  • changer de vêtements

    change clothes

Similar words

remplacer: Put another thing in place of something.
modifier: Adjust something by changing some of its details or qualities.
transformer: Thoroughly change something into a new form or state.
échanger: Give and receive things or information in exchange.

Definition in French

Signifie remplacer, échanger ou transformer quelque chose ou son état, utilisable pour l'échange d'objets ou de monnaies ainsi qu'en forme pronominale pour l'action personnelle.

Word origin

The verb is inherited through Old French changier from Latin cambiare, meaning "to exchange"; French extended that exchange-based idea to alteration and personal change.

Usage tips

  • For currency, French uses changer de l'argent and changer des euros en yens, while changer quelque chose en... means turn something into something else.

Other meanings

  • replaceverb
  • exchangeverb

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word