French Conversation · Level 80
60 words
French word
pencher
Pronunciation
IPA/pɑ̃ʃe/
Meaning
- verblean
Example
La tour penche.
The tower is leaning.
More examples
Elle se penche en avant pour ramasser le livre.
She leans forward to pick up the book.
Core concept
A vertical tower seems to settle toward one side, like a suspended object pulled off center.
Common phrases
se pencher en avant
lean forward
pencher en arrière
lean back
pencher la tête
tilt one's head
Similar words
préférer: To prefer one option over another.
tendre: To tend naturally toward a particular direction or state.
se pencher: To bend or lean the upper body forward or sideways.
Definition in French
S'écarter de la verticale; orienter une partie du corps ou d'un objet de façon inclinée.
Word origin
The verb pencher developed in Old French from a Latin family built on pendere, meaning "to hang," linking suspension with an inclined position.
Usage tips
- Pencher pour + a noun means to favor or lean toward an option, so the verb also occurs in opinions rather than only in physical positions.