French Conversation · Level 25
90 words
French word
pousser
Pronunciation
IPA/puse/
Meaning
- verbpush
Example
Peux-tu pousser la chaise ?
Can you push the chair?
More examples
Au printemps, les plantes ont tendance à pousser vite.
In spring, plants tend to grow quickly.
Core concept
Something is pressed forward by force, while the same forward pressure can promote action or development.
Common phrases
pousser la poussette
push the stroller
pousser un chariot
push a cart
Similar words
appuyer: Press a button or panel with a finger or hand to activate it.
bousculer: Bump into someone and push them aside or forward.
presser: Press an object hard enough to change its shape.
encourager: Encourage someone and support them in taking action.
Definition in French
Appliquer une force sur quelque chose pour le déplacer ou, au sens figuré, inciter quelqu'un ou provoquer une croissance.
Word origin
French pousser developed from Old French pousser and ultimately from Latin pulsare, related to the verb pellere, to drive away.
Usage tips
- For pressing a button, French normally uses appuyer rather than pousser, although pousser suits moving an object such as a chair.