French Conversation · Level 35
75 words
French word
pardonner
Pronunciation
IPA/paʁdone/
Meaning
- verbforgive
Example
Ne t'inquiète pas, je te pardonne.
Don't worry, I forgive you.
More examples
Elle a décidé de pardonner à son frère.
She decided to forgive her brother.
Core concept
An open hand releases a person's wrong, allowing a debt, penalty, or obligation to be set aside.
Common phrases
pardonner à quelqu'un
forgive someone
Similar words
excuser: Accepting an apology or excuse and no longer blaming the person.
oublier: Letting go of an event or anger so it no longer causes concern.
laisser passer: Overlooking a minor mistake or slight without dwelling on it.
réconcilier: Restoring a relationship after conflict or estrangement.
Definition in French
Cesser de tenir rigueur à quelqu'un et, par extension, annuler une sanction ou une obligation à son égard.
Word origin
French pardonner comes through Old French from Latin perdonare, formed from per- and donare, meaning to give completely and later to forgive or remit.
Usage tips
- A person is commonly introduced with à, as in pardonner à Paul, but object pronouns use the direct form, as in je te pardonne.