French word

poser

Pronunciation

IPA/poze/

Meaning

  • verbput

Example

Je pose le livre sur la table.

I put the book on the table.

Illustration for poser (put)

More examples

Elle pose sa main sur l'épaule de son ami.

She places her hand on her friend's shoulder.

Core concept

Something is set at a chosen spot, or a thought is brought before others for consideration.

Common phrases

  • poser la valise

    put the suitcase down

  • poser la main sur l'épaule

    place one's hand on the shoulder

  • poser un objet

    put down an object

Similar words

mettre: To move an object and put it in a particular place.
déposer: To lower an object by hand and leave it in one place.
placer: To put an object carefully in its intended position.

Definition in French

Mettre physiquement quelque chose à un endroit donné, ou présenter une question, une idée ou un problème pour qu'on l'examine ou qu'on y réponde.

Word origin

French poser comes through Old French poser from Latin pausare, 'to rest', with physical placement extending to presenting a matter for discussion.

Usage tips

  • For a question addressed to someone, French uses poser une question à quelqu'un, while se poser une question refers to considering it oneself.

Other meanings

  • askverb
  • raiseverb

Opposites

Related words

  • déposerdepositverb
  • poseplacingnoun
  • posécomposedadjective

Word lists with this word