French Conversation · Level 128
45 words
French word
repasser
Pronunciation
IPA/ʁəpase/
Meaning
- verbiron
Example
Je vais repasser la chemise ce soir.
I am going to iron the shirt tonight.
More examples
Il faut repasser le linge avant la réunion.
You need to iron the laundry before the meeting.
Core concept
A heated iron is guided across fabric so each pass leaves the surface smoother.
Common phrases
repasser une chemise
iron a shirt
repasser le linge
iron the laundry
Similar words
passer: To stop briefly at a place or visit someone.
refaire: To repeat an action because the first attempt needs redoing.
revenir: To come back to a place or person after leaving.
Definition in French
Appliquer un fer chaud sur un vêtement et le faire glisser pour aplatir ou enlever ses plis.
Word origin
Repasser is formed from the prefix re- and passer, a verb inherited through Old French from Latin passare, giving the idea of passing over again.
Usage tips
- The usual construction is repasser quelque chose, as in repasser une chemise, rather than using the English preposition on after the verb.