French Conversation · Level 35
75 words
French word
contacter
Pronunciation
IPA/kɔ̃takte/
Meaning
- verbcontact
Example
Peux-tu contacter Sophie ce soir ?
Can you contact Sophie tonight?
More examples
Je vais contacter mon ami par téléphone.
I am going to contact my friend by phone.
Core concept
A message or call crossing the distance to another person and opening an exchange about a matter.
Common phrases
contacter quelqu'un
contact someone
Similar words
appeler: To phone someone and talk to them.
téléphoner: To talk to someone over the phone.
joindre: To make contact with someone successfully.
envoyer: To notify someone by sending a message or letter.
Definition in French
Entrer en contact avec quelqu'un par téléphone, courriel ou message pour transmettre une information ou poser une question.
Word origin
The verb contacter was formed in French from the noun contact and the common verb-forming ending -er; contact comes from Latin contactus, "touching."
Usage tips
- Contacter is neutral about the medium, while appeler specifically presents the action as making a phone call.