apprécier
/a.pʁe.sje/
To appreciate in French is apprécier.
While English uses 'appreciate' for both gratitude and enjoyment, in French apprécier is more commonly used to mean 'to enjoy' or 'to like' a person or thing, whereas 'être reconnaissant' is used for being grateful.
Meaning: to be grateful for something (verb)
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb apprécier is a regular -er verb, meaning it follows standard conjugation patterns for the first group. The conditional form apprécierais is used to express a polite request, similar to the English 'I would appreciate it if…'.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /a.pʁe.sje/. It has three syllables.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often use apprécier to mean 'to be grateful for a favor' (e.g., 'I appreciate your help'), but in French, using apprécier in this context can sound more like you are 'valuing' or 'liking' the help rather than expressing gratitude. 'être reconnaissant' is more precise for gratitude.
Did you know?
- French uses the word reconnaissance for gratitude, which is also the same word used for 'reconnaissance' missions in military spying.
- The French word apprécier shares a common ancestor with the English word 'price', as both derive from the Latin word 'pretium', meaning 'value' or 'price'.
- Using apprécier to thank someone for a gift can unintentionally sound like you are 'appraising' the gift's market value rather than being thankful.
Examples in context
- J'apprécierais que tu m'aides.I'd appreciate it if you'd help me.This sentence shows how to use the conditional form for a polite request with apprécier.Tatoeba #1223587 by sacredceltic, translation #1223585 by CK
- Nous apprécierions une réponse.We'd appreciate a reply.This sentence demonstrates a polite request for a reply using apprécier.Tatoeba #1313157 by sacredceltic, translation #1312864 by CK
- J'apprécierais que tu m'accompagnes.I'd appreciate it if you'd come with me.This sentence illustrates making a polite request for someone to accompany you using apprécier.Tatoeba #1223682 by sacredceltic, translation #1223591 by CK
- J'apprécie énormément votre aide.I appreciate your help immensely.
- Je tiens à vous remercier pour votre précieuse contribution.I want to thank you for your valuable contribution.
- Je tiens à exprimer ma profonde reconnaissance pour votre soutien continu.I want to express my deep gratitude for your ongoing support.
- J'aime vraiment ton cadeau, merci beaucoup !I really appreciate your gift, thank you very much!
- Je suis reconnaissant de ton soutien inconditionnel.I am grateful for your unwavering support.
- Je suis vraiment contente de ton aide dans ce projet.I really appreciate your help in this project.
- J'apprécie beaucoup ton attention aux détails.I really appreciate your attention to detail.
- Nous sommes reconnaissants pour votre générosité.We are grateful for your generosity.
- Je tiens à te remercier sincèrement pour ton soutien constant.I want to sincerely thank you for your constant support.
- 33 more sentences on Tatoeba
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry apprécier, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries apprécier, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
