Verbs with Similar Meanings
To see, to watch or to look, to know
In French a word can have many synonyms. However, one has to be careful when choosing the appropriate words according to the context. It is important that we understand the effect these words have because they change the meaning of a sentence.
Verb: To Know
For instance, the verb to know in English has two French equivalents: savoir et connaître. Both of these words are used in very specific situations.
The verb connaître refers to the knowledge of specific facts.
For example
Ex 1: Je connais l’alphabet. I know the alphabet.
Or
Ex 2: Tu connais le nom de tous les pays. You know the name of all the countries.
On the other hand, The verb savoir refers to specific skills. It is often used before a verb or the expression how to + a verb.
For example
Ex 1: Je sais cuisiner. I know how to cook.
Or
Ex 2: Il sait comment faire de la pizza. He knows how to make pizza
Verbs: To See, To Look, To Watch
The verbs to see, to look and to watch have only two equivalents in French.
The verb regarder (to watch / to look) is used when intentionally looking at something. Those who are performing the action are focused on what they are doing.
On the other hand, the verb voir (to see) is used when the subject doesn’t necessarily put too much attention on what is being seen.
Ex: Pendant que je regarde la télévision, je peux voir la fenêtre dans mon champ de vision.
While I am watching television, I can see the window in my field of vision.
Look out for these specific situations!
When watching a movie, you can use both voir et regarder.
Je vais regarder un film. / Je vais voir un film.
You cannot use the verb regarder (to watch/to look) when comparing the appearance of something.
You have to use the verb ressembler (looks or appears like) instead.
Ex: It looks like a bird. Ça ressemble à un oiseau.
Tip!
When giving your opinion on the appearance of something you should use the verb (to be) instead of the verb (to look).
Ex: Your dress looks beautiful. Ta robe est belle.
Use this guide to conjugate the verbs in Present Tense:
Now it's time to test your knowledge!
Check out our Free Printable Practice Worksheets below:
Now that you have learned about the Verbs with similar meanings, you can practice them on your own!
