French Conversation · Level 22
90 words
French word
rêve
Pronunciation
IPA/ʁɛv/
Meaning
- masculine noundream
Example
J'ai fait un rêve étrange la nuit dernière.
I had a strange dream last night.
More examples
Il travaille dur pour réaliser son rêve.
He works hard to realize his dream.
Core concept
During sleep, inner scenes and events move through the mind vividly and without deliberate direction.
Common phrases
faire un rêve
have a dream
réaliser un rêve
realize a dream
suivre son rêve
pursue one's dream
Similar words
cauchemar: A disturbing dream that causes fear while sleeping.
rêverie: A hazy, imaginative train of thought while awake.
Definition in French
Images et suites d'images ou d'événements perçus pendant le sommeil, souvent vives et sans contrôle volontaire.
Word origin
The noun rêve follows rêver, inherited from Old French resver; its modern circumflex reflects the loss of s, while its ultimate origin remains uncertain.
Usage tips
- Sleep-related experiences commonly appear in faire un rêve, while rêver de introduces the person, thing, or situation in the dream.