French Conversation · Level 31
89 words
French word
retrouver
Pronunciation
IPA/ʁətʁuve/
Meaning
- verbfind
Example
J'ai retrouvé mon portefeuille sous le canapé.
I found my wallet under the sofa.
More examples
On va se retrouver au café à 18 heures.
We are going to meet again at the cafe at 6 p.m.
Core concept
A lost object, person, or former state comes back into present reach.
Common phrases
retrouver quelqu'un
meet up with someone again
retrouver quelque chose
find something again
retrouver la forme
regain one's fitness
Similar words
trouver: Finding something for the first time or discovering something new.
récupérer: Recovering something lost and bringing it back into one's possession.
revoir: Seeing again someone previously met or something previously seen.
rencontrer: Meeting someone or coming face to face with them.
Definition in French
Retrouver quelque chose ou quelqu'un qu'on ne voyait plus, ou recouvrer un état perdu en le rendant présent de nouveau.
Word origin
The verb combines the prefix re- with trouver, from Old French trover, giving the idea of finding something again.
Usage tips
- Unlike se retrouver, retrouver takes a direct object, as in retrouver son portefeuille or retrouver un ami.
Other meanings
- meet againverb
- recoververb
Opposites
- perdreloseverb
Related words
- retrouvaillesreunionnoun
- retrouvablefindableadjective