French Conversation · Level 33
90 words
French word
garder
Pronunciation
IPA/gaʁde/
Meaning
- verbbabysit
Example
Peux-tu garder les enfants ce soir ?
Can you babysit the children tonight?
More examples
Je peux garder ton chien ce week-end.
I can look after your dog this weekend.
Core concept
A protective hold preserves possession, supervision, or an existing quality over time.
Common phrases
garder les enfants
look after the children
garder le chien
look after the dog
Similar words
prendre soin de: Care for a person or thing through the attention and upkeep it needs.
surveiller: Keep watch over a person or place to notice possible danger or trouble.
protéger: Shield someone or something from danger or damage.
tenir: Grip something with the hands and keep it securely in place.
Definition in French
Maintenir en sa possession ou préserver un objet, un état ou une qualité contre le changement.
Word origin
French garder is inherited through Old French from Germanic *wardon, a form linked with protecting and keeping watch.
Usage tips
- In garder les enfants, the verb means looking after the children, not merely retaining physical possession of them.
Other meanings
- look afterverb
- storeverb
- watch oververb
Opposites
- rendrereturnverb
- abandonnerabandonverb