French Conversation · Level 124
58 words
French word
gonfler
Pronunciation
IPA/gɔ̃fle/
Meaning
- verbblow up
Example
Peux-tu gonfler le ballon ?
Can you blow up the balloon?
More examples
Sa cheville a commencé à se gonfler.
Her ankle began to swell.
Core concept
Air or gas makes an object swell outward until it occupies more space.
Common phrases
se gonfler
swell
gonfler une bouée
inflate a buoy
gonfler un pneu
inflate a tire
Similar words
enfler: Become enlarged because of fluid buildup or inflammation.
souffler: Blow air out forcefully through the mouth or an instrument.
dégonfler: Release air or gas to reduce the size of something.
augmenter: Increase a quantity, amount, or price.
Definition in French
Faire augmenter le volume d'un objet en y mettant de l'air ou du gaz, ou désigner le fait de devenir plus gros en se remplissant d'air.
Word origin
Old French gonfler developed from Latin conflare, whose sense of blowing together suits the verb's connection with air-filled expansion.
Usage tips
- Gonfler le prix means to inflate or raise a price, so the verb also has a common figurative use.