French word

importer

Pronunciation

IPA/ɛ̃pɔʁte/

Meaning

  • verbmatter

Example

Ça ne m'importe pas.

It doesn't matter to me.

Illustration for importer (matter)

More examples

Peu importe ce que tu penses.

It doesn't matter what you think.

Core concept

An outside element passes inward and becomes a factor that can influence what matters within.

Common phrases

  • peu importe

    It doesn't matter

  • ça m'importe

    It matters to me

Similar words

compter: To count as important in a judgment or decision.
valoir: To have value or significance and thus matter.
concerner: To directly affect or relate to a person or matter.
peser: To carry weight in an evaluation or decision.

Definition in French

Transférer des biens, des idées ou des éléments d'un lieu extérieur vers l'intérieur, et, par extension, avoir de l'importance pour quelqu'un ou quelque chose.

Word origin

Latin importare combined in- 'inward' with portare 'to carry'; French retained the physical sense and extended it to importance.

Usage tips

  • For the sense 'to matter', French uses 'importer à quelqu'un', whereas the physical sense normally takes a direct object such as 'importer des marchandises'.

Other meanings

  • importverb

Related words

Word lists with this word