French Conversation · Level 8
90 words
French word
donner
Pronunciation
IPA/done/
Meaning
- verbgive
Example
Je vais donner ce livre à Marie.
I am going to give this book to Marie.
More examples
Je peux donner un coup de main.
I can lend a hand.
Core concept
An open hand passing something useful to another person, whether the thing is physical or intangible.
Common phrases
donner à quelqu'un
give to someone
donner quelque chose
give something
donner un coup de main
lend a hand
Similar words
offrir: To give something to someone as a gift.
prêter: To lend something for someone to use for a limited time.
remettre: To hand something directly to someone.
transmettre: To pass information or a message on to another person.
Definition in French
Accorder ou fournir quelque chose à quelqu'un, comme un objet, un service ou une information.
Word origin
French donner developed from Old French doner, which continues Latin donare, the source of the shared root in donate and donor.
Usage tips
- The final -er in donner sounds like French é rather than the English er sound, as in the infinitives parler and aimer.