French Conversation · Level 102
60 words
French word
tâcher
Pronunciation
IPA/taʃe/
Meaning
- verbtry
Example
Je tâche de finir avant midi.
I try to finish before noon.
More examples
Nous tâchons de nous concentrer pendant la réunion.
We try to concentrate during the meeting.
Core concept
A deliberate effort moving toward a goal whose completion is still uncertain.
Common phrases
tâcher de se concentrer
try to concentrate
tâcher de suivre les instructions
try to follow the instructions
Similar words
essayer: Trying something in pursuit of a goal.
tenter: Attempting something despite difficulty or uncertainty.
chercher: Working to find a way to produce a desired result.
Definition in French
S'efforcer de réaliser quelque chose, marquant une volonté d'effort plutôt qu'une garantie d'aboutissement; employé couramment avec « tâcher de ».
Word origin
The modern verb tâcher continues Old French taschier and is connected with the Latin-derived word family of taxare, associated with taking on or assessing a task.
Usage tips
- Tâcher de is common in careful or neutral French, while essayer de is often more usual in everyday speech.