French Conversation · Level 17
90 words
French word
ramasser
Pronunciation
IPA/ʁamase/
Meaning
- verbpick up
Example
Peux-tu ramasser ce papier, s'il te plaît ?
Can you pick up this paper, please?
More examples
Après le pique-nique, nous ramassons les déchets.
After the picnic, we pick up the trash.
Core concept
Loose objects on a surface are picked up one by one and brought together for tidying or cleaning.
Common phrases
ramasser les déchets
pick up the trash
ramasser ses affaires
pick up one's things
ramasser un objet
pick up an object
Similar words
prendre: Grabbing an object and bringing it toward oneself.
rassembler: Collecting separate objects into a single group.
amasser: Gradually accumulating many things or a substantial sum of money.
cueillir: Picking flowers or fruit from a plant by hand.
Definition in French
Prendre et mettre ensemble des objets épars, surtout à la main, pour les ranger ou nettoyer.
Word origin
The form combines re- with amasser in Old French, while amasser is related to amas, so the verb centers on bringing things into a heap.
Usage tips
- In everyday French, ramasser suits litter or an item from the floor, while recueillir more often concerns people, information, or donations.