French Conversation · Level 28
89 words
French word
retirer
Pronunciation
IPA/ʁətiʁe/
Meaning
- verbremove
Example
Peux-tu retirer la poussière de la table ?
Can you remove the dust from the table?
More examples
Il a dû retirer ses chaussures pour entrer.
He had to take off his shoes to enter.
Core concept
A hand draws something out of a place or state, including a surface, clothing, an account, or an official request.
Common phrases
retirer ses chaussures
take off one's shoes
retirer son manteau
take off one's coat
Similar words
ôter: To remove an object from where it is.
enlever: To take off clothing.
Definition in French
Enlever ou extraire quelque chose d'une surface ou d'un endroit en le tirant ou en le déplaçant; peut aussi signifier ôter un vêtement, retirer de l'argent ou retirer une demande.
Word origin
French formed retirer from re- and tirer, "to pull," and tirer ultimately continues Latin trahere, so the word keeps a core sense of drawing back.
Usage tips
- In the clothing sense, retirer is correct, but everyday French often uses enlever for taking off an item of clothing.