French word

taper

Pronunciation

IPA/tape/

Meaning

  • verbhit

Example

Ne tape pas sur la table.

Don't hit the table.

Illustration for taper (hit)

More examples

Il faut taper le mot de passe pour se connecter.

You have to type in the password to log in.

Core concept

A quick strike that lands on a surface, a person, a door, or a keyboard.

Common phrases

  • taper un texte

    type in a text

  • taper un code

    type in a code

Similar words

frapper: To hit a surface or person with considerable force.
appuyer: To press a button or key with a finger.
écrire: To write letters or text with a pen or keyboard.
cliquer: To click a mouse button to perform an on-screen action.

Definition in French

Porter un coup bref sur une surface avec la main ou un objet; s'emploie aussi pour frapper quelqu'un, frapper à la porte ou pour taper au clavier.

Word origin

French taper comes from Old French taper, meaning to strike, and its keyboard sense developed from striking individual keys.

Usage tips

  • The construction changes the sense: taper sur quelqu'un means hit someone, taper à la porte means knock, and taper au clavier means type.

Other meanings

  • typeverb
  • knockverb

Opposites

Related words

  • tapeslapnoun
  • tapotertap lightlyverb

Word lists with this word