French Conversation · Level 62
76 words
French word
gâcher
Pronunciation
IPA/gaʃe/
Meaning
- verbspoil
Example
Ne gâche pas la surprise.
Don't spoil the surprise.
More examples
Ne laisse pas un petit détail gâcher ta journée.
Don't let a small detail spoil your day.
Core concept
Something promising is handled badly, leaving the whole result worse than it should be.
Common phrases
gâcher la surprise
ruin the surprise
gâcher la soirée
spoil the evening
gâcher une occasion
squander an opportunity
Similar words
ruiner: To ruin an achievement, opportunity, or relationship so that it cannot be recovered.
abîmer: To harm an object's surface or function and reduce its usability.
détériorer: To steadily worsen the quality or condition of an object or situation.
Definition in French
Rendre inutilisable ou moins satisfaisant un objet, un résultat ou un moment en en altérant la qualité ou l'effet attendu.
Word origin
The modern verb developed from Old French gâchier, which already expressed the idea of spoiling or impairing something.
Usage tips
- For spoiled food, French usually uses gâter rather than gâcher; gâcher more often concerns results, experiences, opportunities, or materials.